Washington State
House of Representatives
Office of Program Research
BILL
ANALYSIS
Capital Budget Committee
HB 2442
Brief Description: Establishing a law enforcement memorial names committee.
Sponsors: Representatives Hutchins, Hackney, Caldier, Couture, Griffey, Shavers and Connors.
Brief Summary of Bill
  • Establishes the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial Names Committee.
Hearing Date: 2/1/24
Staff: Dawn Eychaner (786-7135).
Background:

The Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial (Memorial) is located on the capitol campus and honors law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty in Washington.  The Memorial was designed and constructed by a private non-profit group, known at the time of construction as the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial Foundation, and today named the Behind the Badge Foundation (Foundation).  The Memorial was dedicated to the citizens of Washington State in 2006.  

 

The names of law enforcement officers who have died in the line of duty are engraved onto the Memorial.

 

Department of Enterprise Services.
The Department of Enterprise Services (DES) is responsible for the stewardship, preservation, operation, and maintenance of the public and historic facilities of the state capitol, subject to the policy direction of the State Capitol Committee and the guidance of the Capitol Campus Design Advisory Committee.  


The DES has adopted rules for commemorative works on the capitol campus.  These rules require the cost of new works, maintenance, and repairs to be paid for by the proposing entity.  Accordingly, the Foundation and the DES have entered into an agreement outlining responsibility for routine repairs, cleaning, and related maintenance.  The agreement stipulates that the Foundation selects law enforcement officers to be named on the Memorial and is responsible for making arrangements with a qualified contractor when adding names to the Memorial. 

 

Law Enforcement Memorial Account.
Law Enforcement Memorial License Plates are available for sale through the Washington State Department of Licensing (DOL).  Proceeds from the license plate sales are deposited into the Law Enforcement Memorial Account and expenditures must be authorized by the DOL.  Once the state's implementation costs have been reimbursed, funds may be distributed to the Foundation to provide support and assistance to survivors and families of law enforcement officers in Washington killed in the line of duty and to fund, construct, utilize, and maintain the Memorial. 
Summary of Bill:

The Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial Names Committee (Committee) is established with nine members.  The Committee must determine which names of fallen law enforcement officers will appear on the Washington State Law Enforcement Memorial (Memorial) on the capitol campus. 

 

Each of the following entities may appoint one member of the Committee:

  • the Washington State Fraternal Order of Police;
  • the Washington Chapter of the Concerns of Police Survivors;
  • the Washington Chapter of the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives;
  • the Washington State Patrol Troopers Association;
  • the Washington State Behind the Badge Foundation; 
  • the Washington Council of Police and Sheriffs; and
  • the Northwest Association of Tribal Officers.

 

In addition to the members listed above, the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs may appoint one sheriff and one police chief. 

 

The Committee must meet as needed to review the placement of names on the Memorial and must forward names approved for placement to the Department of Enterprise Services.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.