Dear Friends and Neighbors,

Prioritizing Community Safety

An Update to the Supreme Court Blake Decision

Washington is in a substance use disorder crisis. Two years ago, we ended the felony for possession model and focused on diverting those with substance use disorder into treatment. The State Legislature’s response to the State Supreme Court’s State v. Blake ruling increased funding for the behavioral health system, reduced the penalty for drug possession, and mandated law enforcement to offer pre-booking referrals to services in lieu of arrest. This solution was a patch, set to expire in July of 2023 in anticipation of enacting a longer-term solution. As we build a new framework to keep our communities safe, we must keep in mind that the investments we made in 2021 are just beginning to take shape—no challenge can be solved overnight, and meaningful change takes time.

It is crucial to recognize the challenges individuals face when trying to overcome addiction. Addiction, withdrawal, and other factors can make it extremely difficult for people to stop taking drugs and seek treatment. While it is important to provide access to treatment programs, some level of incarceration may also be necessary to encourage individuals to seek help and deter criminal activity that can harm communities.

For those who successfully complete treatment, there should be opportunities to erase their criminal record and rebuild their lives. However, it is also important to address the public nuisance caused by drug use in neighborhoods. Communities deserve safe access to public spaces, such as parks, without having to worry about individuals littering needles or engaging in other criminal activity.

In addition to the public safety concerns, theft related to drug addiction can also have a significant impact on local businesses and consumers. Retail theft in some districts can amount to millions of dollars per year, driving up prices for everyone.

I will continue to work with my colleagues in the legislature to find solutions that balance public safety and rehabilitation. We need to ensure that our communities are safe, and that those struggling with addiction receive the help they need to turn their lives around.

Empowering our law enforcement

A few years ago, the Legislature passed a bill prohibiting law enforcement from vehicular pursuit without probable cause. This was done to prevent dangerous high-speed chases that put innocent lives at risk. However, we’ve heard feedback from so many of you that public safety is one of your greatest priorities right now—and that much of the community supports vehicular pursuits when law enforcement has reasonable suspicion that a suspect(s) were involved in specific criminal activity.

As a former prosecutor, I understand the importance of empowering our officers to protect our cities. There are situations where suspects pose a significant danger to the public, and our officers need to be able to act quickly to apprehend them. The new bill would allow law enforcement to engage in vehicle pursuits when there is a reasonable suspicion that the occupant has committed a violent crime or poses an imminent threat to public safety.

I know this is a highly divisive issue, but I believe that we need to strike a balance between protecting our communities and ensuring public safety. I will continue to advocate for this bill and work with my colleagues to ensure that our law enforcement officers have the tools they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.

Watch my video about police pursuits legislation here: 

Curbing gun violence

I am proud to have supported House Bill 1240, which passed in the House and Senate: The passage of this bill is a major step towards reducing the risk of harm to Washingtonians and ensuring our children have a brighter, safer future.

The bill limits the prospective sale of assault weapons in our state. It is heartbreaking to see our communities continue to experience the devastating effects of gun violence, and the statistics speak for themselves. In just the first 88 days of 2023, there have already been over 130 mass shootings nationwide, and over 85% of fatalities were caused by assault rifles. We cannot allow this to continue.

Assault weapons have no place in our communities. They are designed for the sole purpose of killing as many people as possible as quickly as possible. We cannot allow these weapons of war to continue to wreak havoc on our streets, in our schools, and in our homes. By passing this bill, we are taking a stand against gun violence and working to save lives. I am proud to have been a part of this effort, and I will continue to fight for common-sense gun safety measures that keep our communities safe.

Watch me speak on this bill on the House floor here and here.

Thank you for your continued support, feedback, and advocacy.  It is an honor to represent you in Olympia. Please feel free to reach out to my office with any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Rep. David Hackney