OLYMPIA – Communities across the state have been asking for real investments in public safety, and today, House Democrats delivered with the passage of House Bill 2015 in the House of Representatives. Championed by Representatives Entenman, Reeves, and Berg, along with other members of the Legislative Black Caucus, this legislation provides local governments with the resources they need to adequately support law enforcement and public safety services that align with community needs.
“Communities have been loud and clear—they want well-funded, well-trained, and accountable public safety services,” said Representative Kristine Reeves (D-Federal Way), co-sponsor of the bill and Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus. “That’s exactly what we’re delivering. This bill ensures that cities and counties have the funding they need to recruit and retain law enforcement officers while also supporting crisis intervention, de-escalation training, and trauma-informed policing.”
The bill creates a Local Law Enforcement Grant Program, administered by the Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC), to provide direct financial support for hiring and training officers. It also establishes the Supplemental Criminal Justice Account, ensuring state and local criminal justice agencies receive much-needed resources. Cities and counties will be able to fund these efforts through an optional 0.1% sales and use tax, dedicated specifically to criminal justice purposes.
During floor debate, some lawmakers raised concerns about the funding mechanism for public safety investments. In response, Reeves’ message is clear: “We hear a lot about the importance of supporting law enforcement, but words alone aren’t enough—we need real funding to ensure our communities are safe, which is why I sponsored this legislation.”
While public safety means more than just policing, this bill is a key part of making Washington communities safer and more secure. By ensuring sustainable funding for law enforcement alongside training in de-escalation and crisis response, HB 2015 strikes the balance between public safety and accountability.
“Providing for the public’s safety is a core responsibility of our public servants,” said Reeves. “That public safety is provided through our local governments, which means ensuring our cities and counties have the tools they need to keep people safe in a way that works for the communities they serve.”
With today’s passage in the House, HB 2015 now moves to the Senate, bringing Washington one step closer to a smarter, community-centered approach to public safety.