Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Public Safety Committee

HB 2560

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.

Sponsors: Representatives Maycumber, Lovick, Klippert, Chapman, Lekanoff, Corry, Walsh, Van Werven, Chambers, Kloba, Dent, Griffey, Barkis, Graham, Goehner, Blake, Leavitt, Irwin, Gildon, Orwall and Volz.

Brief Summary of Bill

Requires the Criminal Justice Training Commission to provide a minimum of 15 Basic Law Enforcement Academy trainings per fiscal year beginning July 1, 2021, and a minimum of 19 trainings per fiscal year beginning July 1, 2024.

Background:

The Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC) provides basic law enforcement training and educational programs for law enforcement, corrections officers, and other public safety professionals in Washington.

Basic law enforcement officer training is required of all law enforcement personnel, with the exception of volunteers and reserve officers. The Basic Law Enforcement Academy (BLEA) consists of a 720-hour program covering a wide variety of subjects including: criminal law and procedures, traffic enforcement, cultural awareness, communication and writing skills, emergency vehicle operations, firearms, crisis intervention, patrol procedures, criminal investigation, and defensive tactics.

All newly hired law enforcement personnel are required to commence the BLEA within six months of employment, unless the CJTC waives or extends the requirement.

Summary of Bill:

Beginning July 1, 2021, the CJTC must provide at least 15 BLEA trainings per fiscal year, and, beginning July 1, 2024, it must provide at least 19 BLEA trainings per fiscal year. If enrollment is insufficient to fill these trainings, the CJTC may reduce the number of trainings to satisfy enrollment needs. The CJTC is not prohibited from requesting funding for, or otherwise providing, additional trainings beyond the required minimum number.