Letter: A necessary reform – Why Washington must pass HB 1399

Aia Walker responds to previous opinion published by Clark County Today

Editor’s note: Opinions expressed in this letter to the editor are those of the author alone and do not reflect the editorial position of ClarkCountyToday.com

The passage of House Bill 1399 (HB 1399) is essential to ensuring accountability, professionalism, and public trust in Washington’s law enforcement leadership. Opponents of this bill argue that it infringes upon local control and constitutional rights, but the reality is that this legislation is a critical step toward protecting communities from the consequences of unqualified or unaccountable sheriffs and police chiefs. The failures surrounding the investigation into the death of Hannah Rose Walker in Klickitat County illustrate why such oversight is not just reasonable—it is necessary.

Holding Law Enforcement Leadership to Reasonable Standards

Opponents claim that HB 1399 unfairly imposes new restrictions on who can run for sheriff by requiring background investigations and certification. However, these requirements are not arbitrary barriers; they are safeguards to ensure that those entrusted with public safety have a history of ethical and professional conduct. Unlike other elected officials, sheriffs wield immense power over criminal investigations, arrests, and public safety. It is entirely reasonable to expect that they meet minimum professional and ethical standards.

The failure of the Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office (KCSO) in handling Hannah’s case exemplifies why such oversight is crucial. Despite significant inconsistencies in witness statements, a history of prior violence by key persons of interest, and glaring procedural lapses, KCSO failed to conduct a thorough investigation. Records indicate that:

• The sheriff’s office did not interview key witnesses, including Hannah’s family and friends.

• The department illegally leaked Hannah’s autopsy report to the press while withholding critical public records from her family.

• Evidence suggests a negligent and potentially biased investigation, with law enforcement accepting inconsistent statements without scrutiny.

Would a sheriff subject to proper background checks and oversight have conducted this investigation differently? The failures in Hannah’s case strongly suggest that requiring professional qualifications and accountability mechanisms could have led to a more competent and transparent response.

Ensuring Accountability in Office

Opponents also argue that HB 1399 undermines voter rights by allowing the Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) to remove a sheriff who fails to maintain certification. This claim misrepresents the bill. CJTC’s role is not to interfere in elections, but to uphold standards of law enforcement professionalism. If a sheriff loses certification due to misconduct, incompetence, or ethical violations, why should they remain in power?

This is not theoretical. The handling of Hannah’s case demonstrates how a lack of accountability allows law enforcement leaders to operate without meaningful oversight. KCSO’s mishandling of records, failure to follow investigative best practices, and refusal to be transparent with the public are direct consequences of a system where sheriffs are not subject to professional review beyond election cycles.

Moreover, Washington already has examples of law enforcement misconduct being overlooked due to the lack of state-level intervention. Klickitat County recently settled a wrongful death lawsuit for $2 million after a man was found hanged in jail under suspicious circumstances. Another case involved a female inmate in septic condition with bugs in her skin, highlighting the sheriff’s department’s pattern of neglect. Yet, under the current system, no mechanism exists to remove law enforcement officials who fail to uphold basic standards of care and investigation.

Clarifying the Role of Sheriffs in Enforcing the Law

Another argument against HB 1399 is that it eliminates law enforcement discretion by mandating that sheriffs enforce state laws as interpreted by the Washington Supreme Court. However, this is not a radical departure from existing law — it simply affirms that sheriffs do not have the unilateral authority to pick and choose which laws to enforce.

In Hannah’s case, the sheriff’s office selectively enforced investigative procedures, choosing not to pursue DNA testing from a key person of interest, ignoring a previous sexual assault allegation against the same individual, and failing to notify the Department of Natural Resources, which had surveillance cameras at the scene. These choices were not about discretion—they were failures in duty. HB 1399 helps ensure that sheriffs enforce the law as it is written, not as they see fit.

Addressing Law Enforcement Shortages with Better Leadership, Not Lower Standards

Opponents argue that Washington already faces a law enforcement shortage, and that HB 1399 would worsen it by disqualifying potential sheriffs. This is a false premise.

The solution to staffing shortages is not to lower standards for law enforcement leadership but to improve trust and accountability so that more qualified individuals are willing to serve. Communities with greater trust in law enforcement see higher recruitment and retention rates. HB 1399 promotes this by ensuring that leadership positions are held by individuals who meet baseline professional standards. A sheriff’s role is not just to fill a vacancy — it is to lead with integrity.

Conclusion

HB 1399 is not an attack on law enforcement; it is a necessary reform to ensure that those in power are qualified, accountable, and committed to upholding justice. The failures of the Klickitat County Sheriff’s Office in Hannah’s case — and in other cases of mishandled investigations and inmate neglect — demonstrate why state oversight is needed. Washington voters deserve law enforcement leaders who are competent, ethical, and held to professional standards. Passing HB 1399 is a step toward restoring public trust and ensuring that tragedies like Hannah’s are met with justice, not negligence.

For those who truly value public safety, professionalism, and justice, supporting HB 1399 is not just a choice — it is a responsibility.

Aia Walker
St. George, Utah