Bill Summary:

• AN ACT Relating to strengthening and clarifying the authority of the attorney general to address local law enforcement and local corrections agency misconduct through investigations and legal actions; adding new sections to chapter 43.10 RCW; and creating a new section.

What the Bill says:

• The bill states that the Attorney General shall have the authority to investigate, prosecute and bring civil suits against any law enforcement AGENCY of it’s choosing.

Our Summary Opinion:

• It is altering the current structure of government which has been to have the Washington State Chief of Police in charge of these investigations. This usurps the power of the Washington State top policing branch of government. Furthermore it adds the dimension of civil suits to local county and city agencies brought by the AG of our state thus usurping the powers of the locally elected officers of law enforcement (sheriffs etc) and prosecuting attorneys.