HB 2472: Department of public safety

Summary

• Creates a new state agency, the Department of Public Safety (Department).
• Establishes three bureaus within the Department: the Washington Bureau of Investigation, the Washington State Patrol (WSP), and the Bureau of Fire Protection. Incorporates the current functions and services provided by the existing WSP and Bureau of Fire Protection within the Department.
• Revises the mission of the WSP to focus its functions on traffic law enforcement, collision investigations, motorist assists, enforcement of the commercial vehicle rules, and providing protection for executive branch officers and the legislative building.
• Creates the Public Safety Commission for the purpose of providing effective communication between the Department and the public, and to establish and maintain the Department's accountability and credibility with the public.

From the House Bill Analysis (HB 2472), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗