Bill > HB2165

This bill creates a new crime called "false identification as a peace officer" which makes it illegal for someone to knowingly possess, create, or provide items like badges, cards, or even vehicles that bear the insignia of a law enforcement agency if they are not actually a commissioned peace officer. It also prohibits intentionally misrepresenting an object as belonging to a law enforcement agency or claiming to be a peace officer in a way that a reasonable person would believe them to be one, but doesn't rise to the level of criminal impersonation in the first degree. This new offense is classified as a gross misdemeanor, meaning it's a serious but less severe crime than a felony. The bill provides defenses, such as if the item was legitimately issued and authorized for use by a commissioned officer, and also clarifies that it does not prohibit retired officers or those inheriting items from deceased officers from possessing such insignia, nor does it restrict depictions of law enforcement for cultural, historical, or artistic purposes. Importantly, the bill defines "peace officer" broadly to include various types of law enforcement officers and "items bearing an insignia" to encompass common terms like "police" or "sheriff." Additionally, the bill amends an existing law (RCW 9A.60.045) to remove language related to impersonating a law enforcement officer from the definition of criminal impersonation in the second degree, as this conduct is now covered by the new, more specific crime.

Housing and Urban Affairs, Justice

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2165&Year=2025&Initiative=false