Ferguson signs controversial law tightening standards for WA sheriffs
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson on Wednesday signed into law new standards for sheriffs that make it easier to remove them from office.
But Ferguson didn’t love all of Senate Bill 5974, suggesting it could be tweaked in 2027.
Sheriffs, who are mostly elected in Washington, ardently opposed the law as undemocratic. The law’s supporters, who see it as holding police leaders to the same standards as their rank-and-file officers, expect litigation.
The legislation requires county sheriffs and police chiefs to meet heightened eligibility standards. The criteria include having five years of full-time law enforcement experience, not having any felony or gross misdemeanor convictions, being at least 25 years old and not having done anything that would get state certification as a peace officer revoked.
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/04/01/ferguson-signs-controversial-law-tightening-standards-for-wa-sheriffs/