Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
Labor & Workplace Standards Committee |
HB 2399
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. |
Brief Description: Prohibiting the consideration of the number of citations for traffic infractions issued by a law enforcement officer in the performance review of the officer.
Sponsors: Representatives Holy, Appleton, Manweller, S. Hunt, Haler, Moscoso, Taylor, Shea, Young, Hayes, Van Werven, Walsh, Bergquist, Farrell, Klippert, Rodne, Dent, Parker, Scott, Griffey, G. Hunt, Reykdal, Goodman, Caldier, Pike, Condotta, Fitzgibbon, Tharinger, Magendanz, Stanford, Muri, Blake, Kilduff, Ormsby and Riccelli.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/25/16
Staff: Trudes Tango (786-7384).
Background:
Generally, law enforcement officers have authority to issue citations for traffic infractions when the infraction is committed in the officer's presence. Local law enforcement officers issue the majority of traffic citations in the state. The base fine for each infraction is set by rule adopted by the state supreme court. Base fines range from $27 to $250. In addition, the Legislature has added a number of fees to each traffic infraction. Infraction revenue is shared among the state, the local government issuing the citation, and dedicated funding sources.
Summary of Bill:
The Legislature intends to ensure that performance reviews for law enforcement officers are objective, neutral, and impartial, and to address the perception that traffic stops are occurring based on any real or alleged quota systems.
The number of citations for traffic infractions, or the amount of penalties assessed from the citations, may not be considered in a law enforcement officer's performance review, evaluation, rating, assessment, salary, promotion, or assignment.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.