Bill > HB1435

This bill creates a law enforcement hiring grant program administered by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission to help local and tribal law enforcement agencies recruit and retain officers. The program will provide grants covering up to 75% of entry-level salaries and fringe benefits for new full-time law enforcement positions, with a maximum state contribution of $125,000 per officer position and requiring a 25% local cash match. Grants can only be used for salaries and benefits and are intended to increase the number of filled law enforcement positions, with the restriction that agencies cannot receive funding for positions filled by officers who have been employed by a Washington law enforcement agency in the previous 12 months. The commission will establish application policies, publish evaluation criteria, create application forms, and require recipients to report on how the funding impacts retention and hiring rates. Starting July 31, 2025, the commission must provide an annual report to the legislature detailing grant applications, requested and awarded positions, funding amounts, and recipient agencies. The bill includes an appropriation of $100,000,000 from the general fund for fiscal year 2026 to support the grant program.

Budget and Finance

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1435&Year=2025&Initiative=false