HB 2387: Elected sheriffs
Concerning elected sheriffs.
Summary
- Provides that an elected sheriff who is not a certified peace officer has the authority of the office of sheriff but may not perform any law enforcement action that is reserved exclusively for certified peace officers.
- Provides that a final order revoking peace officer certification of an elected sheriff, for conduct that occurred after the sheriff's term began, constitutes an initiation of recall proceedings.
- Removes the requirement for signature gathering for a recall petition of an elected sheriff whose peace officer certification is revoked pursuant to mandatory decertification criteria for conduct that occurred after the sheriff's term began.
From the House Bill Analysis 2026 (HB 2387), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗
- IntroducedJan 12, 2026
- Out of committeestopped here
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- Governor
- Law
- Prime sponsor
- Brian Burnett (R-12)
- Introduced
- January 12, 2026 in the House
- Last action
- January 12, 2026
- Budget
- Has a fiscal note
AN ACT Relating to clarifying that elected sheriffs who are not certified peace officers pursuant to chapter 43.101 RCW cannot personally perform law enforcement actions other than those directed or authorized by the Constitution or laws of the state of Washington, specifying that discretionary decertification of an elected sheriff for conduct that occurred after their term of office began initiates a recall of that sheriff, and specifying that mandatory decertification of an elected sheriff for conduct that occurred after their term of office began initiates a recall of that sheriff without the need to circulate, collect, or canvass supporting signatures;
Sponsors
Prime sponsor: Brian Burnett (R-12)
13 co-sponsors (4 Democrats, 9 Republicans)
Votes
No recorded floor votes. This measure never reached a floor vote.
History
- First reading, referred to Community Safety.
- Prefiled for introduction.
HB 2387 in other sessions
Bill numbers restart every two years, so the same number is a different bill in each session.
- HB 2387 (2023–24) Schools/classified alloc.
- HB 2387 (2019–20) School bus diesel emissions
- HB 2387 (2017–18) Mandatory election audits
- HB 2387 (2015–16) Flamethrowing devices
- HB 2387 (2013–14) Official state oyster
- HB 2387 (2011–12) Persons w/disabilities tabs
- HB 2387 (2009–10) Humane treatment of dogs
- HB 2387 (2007–08) Mandatory participation