Bill > HB2541

This bill clarifies the standard for evaluating a peace officer's use of force by reenacting and amending an existing law (RCW 10.120.020) to align with the objective reasonableness standard established by the U.S. Supreme Court in *Graham v. Connor*. This means that when determining if an officer's use of force was justified, the evaluation will focus on whether a similarly situated reasonable officer would have acted the same way, considering all circumstances, rather than the officer's personal intent or motivation. The bill aims to provide clearer guidance to law enforcement agencies and the public, building on previous legislative efforts to establish a uniform statewide use-of-force standard, and it declares an emergency to take effect immediately.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2541&Year=2025&Initiative=false