BILL · 2025–26 SESSION · LATEST VERSION SHB 2351

HB 2351: Emergency response

Protecting emergency responders and emergency response operations in Washington.

Summary

Prohibits counties, cities, towns, incident command systems, and law enforcement from using resources to assist in enforcement actions that target an emergency responder based on the responder's protected status.
Allows the Governor or a county, city, or town to designate an "emergency operation zone," and conditions law enforcement officer activity within a designated zone.
Modifies the crime of obstructing a law enforcement officer to include emergency responders, and adds an affirmative defense.

From the House Bill Report (HB 2351), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗

Did not pass Did not pass · stalled on the House floor

AN ACT Relating to protecting emergency responders and emergency response operations in Washington;

No recorded floor votes.

Feb 19, 2026House Rules "X" file. (SHB 2351)
Feb 19, 2026Returned to Rules Committee for second reading. (SHB 2351)
Feb 19, 2026Returned to Rules Committee for second reading.
Feb 19, 2026House Rules "X" file.
Feb 12, 2026Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading. (SHB 2351)
Feb 12, 2026Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.
Jan 30, 2026Referred to Rules 2 Review. (SHB 2351)
Jan 30, 2026Referred to Rules 2 Review.
Jan 27, 2026TEDV - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. (SHB 2351)
Jan 27, 2026Minority; do not pass. (SHB 2351)
Jan 27, 2026Minority; do not pass.
Jan 27, 2026TEDV - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Jan 27, 2026TEDV - Executive action taken by committee.
Jan 12, 2026First reading, referred to Technology, Economic Development, & Veterans.
Jan 9, 2026Prefiled for introduction.

Bill numbers restart every two years, so the same number is a different bill in each session.

HB 2351 (2023–24) Essential worker health care · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 2351 (2019–20) Medical assistants-certified · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 2351 (2017–18) B&O tax filing frequency · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 2351 (2015–16) Cinnamon w/ high coumarin · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 2351 (2013–14) Health care/volunteers · Enacted · Chapter 126, Laws of 2014
HB 2351 (2011–12) Wildlife damage compensation · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 2351 (2009–10) Enhanced 911 systems · Did not pass · stalled on the House floor
HB 2351 (2007–08) Tax incentive restrictions · Did not pass · stalled on the House floor