FINAL BILL REPORT

2SSB 5311

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

House Committee on Public Safety

House Committee on Appropriations

Background: Law enforcement officers, especially those assigned to patrol duty, respond to incidents involving persons in distress or in crisis. During these encounters, persons may behave unpredictably, or endanger themselves or others, due to mental illness, substance use, or other causes. Crisis intervention training helps officers recognize, understand, and respond effectively to high-risk behaviors during these events using strategies to reduce potential harm.

Summary: The Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) must provide at least eight hours of crisis intervention training as part of the basic training academy for all new full-time law enforcement officers hired by general authority law enforcement agencies after July 1, 2017. After July 1, 2017, CJTC must also require that general authority peace officers complete two hours of annual crisis intervention training and pass a written exam to maintain their certification.

By July 1, 2021, all general authority peace officers certified before July 1, 2017, must receive crisis intervention training similar to the basic academy's eight-hour crisis intervention training. The Commission must make efforts to provide enhanced crisis intervention training, consisting of 40 hours using a curriculum developed and certified by CJTC to at least 25 percent of certified officers assigned to patrol duty. CJTC must adopt crisis intervention training standards by rule.

The act applies only if specific funding is appropriated in the budget.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate	48	0
House	96	1