OLYMPIA – Today, the House Finance Committee took a step towards justice, community safety, and accountability by advancing House Bill 2015. This bill reimagines how we invest in public safety, placing the needs and well-being of our communities at the forefront while demanding greater accountability from law enforcement. This bill is a direct response to years of systemic inequities and an urgent call for a new era of justice—one where the values of transparency, fairness, and community-centered policing shape the future of public safety.
Led by members of the Legislative Black Caucus (LBC), HB 2015 rejects outdated, one-size-fits-all solutions. It ensures that public safety funding is no longer dictated by top-down decisions but instead is driven by the needs of our communities, with a focus on equity and real outcomes.
Rep. Debra Entenman (D-Kent), the bill’s prime sponsor, emphasized the significance of this shift: “For too long, public safety funding has been treated like a blank check for law enforcement, without regard for the actual needs of our communities. House Bill 2015 gives power back to local governments to make decisions about their own safety priorities and investing in the training, retention, and hiring practices that ensure law enforcement serves all communities—especially those that have been historically marginalized.”
House Bill 2015 introduces two critical components to redefine public safety:
- Local Revenue Authority – The bill gives cities and counties the authority to impose a 0.1% sales tax, allowing local governments to invest directly in community safety and criminal justice services. This measure empowers local leaders, ensuring that resources are allocated where they are needed most.
- Strategic Grants for Law Enforcement Improvement – The Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) will administer competitive grants for local and tribal law enforcement agencies, with funding tied to clear accountability metrics. These metrics include training on de-escalation, use-of-force policies, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed care. Law enforcement agencies must demonstrate transparency on officer hiring, retention, and vacancy rates, ensuring that resources are spent effectively to build stronger, more trustworthy police departments.
Rep. Kristine Reeves, Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus and a co-sponsor of the bill, emphasized that the time for change is now: “This bill is not just about funding more officers—it’s about creating a justice system that works for everyone. We are committed to a future where law enforcement agencies reflect the communities they serve, and where those agencies are held to the highest standards of accountability and professionalism. HB 2015 ties funding to performance and results, demanding that officers are better trained, communities are safer, and all Washington residents are treated with dignity and respect.”
This bill’s roots are firmly planted in the ongoing fight for racial justice, ensuring that Black and other marginalized communities are no longer subjected to policing practices that undermine their safety and trust. The Legislative Black Caucus is committed to a vision of public safety where investments prioritize community resilience, local authority, and sustainable resources.
Key provisions include:
- Mandatory Compliance with the Keep Washington Working Act, ensuring that law enforcement upholds public safety for all residents, regardless of immigration status.
- Adoption of Attorney General and CJTC Model Policies on use of force, duty to intervene, and firearm relinquishment in domestic violence cases, ensuring that law enforcement practices align with the highest standards of ethics and responsibility.
- Clear Metrics for Law Enforcement Grants, including tracking officer vacancies, retention rates, and compliance with mandatory training.
- Funding for Proven Public Safety Strategies, such as crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, and recruitment practices that prioritize hiring from the communities served by law enforcement.
“We are not just asking for change; we are demanding accountability,” said Rep. Entenman. “This bill makes it clear that public safety is not about more policing, but about creating strong, thriving communities. It’s about smart investments, bold policies, and ensuring that every community—especially those most impacted by systemic injustice—has the resources and support they deserve.”
As House Bill 2015 moves to the House floor for further debate, its sponsors are committed to advancing a vision of public safety that challenges the status quo and centers the values of justice, equity, and accountability. Washington’s communities deserve safety that is built from the ground up, guided by the needs of the people. Washington’s communities deserve safety that is resilient, responsive, and sustainable.