SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5072

BYSenators Pullen, Rasmussen, Newhouse, Hansen, Niemi, Talmadge, Conner, Smith, McCaslin, Nelson, Rinehart, West, Hayner, Kreidler, Madsen, Thorsness, Gaspard, Lee, Sutherland and von Reichbauer

Establishing a law enforcement medal of honor.

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

Senate Hearing Date(s):January 10, 1989; January 12, 1989

Majority Report:  Do pass.

      Signed by Senators Pullen, Chairman; Hayner, Nelson, Newhouse, Niemi, Rinehart, Talmadge, Thorsness.

Senate Staff:Ben Barnes (786-7465)

                  February 10, 1990

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 9, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Each year there are law enforcement officers who distinguish themselves by exceptionally meritorious conduct while in performance of duty.  Several law enforcement agencies recognize meritorious conduct at the agency level.  However, there exists no statewide system of recognition.

Proponents of this legislation are of the opinion that police officers who distinguish themselves in the line of duty are deserving of statewide recognition.

SUMMARY:

A state law enforcement medal of honor is established to be awarded annually by a state nominating committee to law enforcement officers who have been seriously injured or killed while in the performance of duty, or who have been distinguished by exceptionally meritorious conduct.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      requested January 9, 1989

Senate Committee - Testified: Mike Matson, Washington State Law Enforcement Association, pro; Mert Obert, Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, pro