Debate Continues Over Bill Expanding AG's Investigative Powers in Washington

Critics argue the legislation would give the Attorney General's Office too much unchecked authority

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Lawmakers and stakeholders in Washington state are raising concerns over a bill that would grant the Attorney General's Office broader authority to issue civil investigative demands, which some critics argue could allow the AG's office to potentially target political rivals without proper oversight.

Why it matters

The proposed legislation has sparked a debate over the balance of power and checks and balances between the Attorney General's Office and other elected officials, law enforcement agencies, and the public. Critics argue the bill would give the AG's office too much unchecked investigative power.

The details

Senate Bill 5925 would allow the AG's office to demand documents, records, and testimony from individuals or entities as part of civil investigations, without requiring a judicial warrant. The bill also permits the AG's office to request gag orders and court-imposed sanctions on those who do not comply with the civil investigative demands. Opponents argue this grants the AG's office an 'enormous amount of power' that could be abused for political purposes, with little external oversight.

  • The bill was passed by the state Senate last week.
  • A public hearing on the bill was held in the House Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee on Tuesday.

The players

Rep. Jenny Graham

A Republican state representative from Spokane Valley who expressed concerns about the bill granting too much power to the AG's office.

Preston McCollam

The Spokane county prosecutor who testified in opposition to the bill, arguing it gives the AG's office wide-ranging investigative authority.

Chalia Stallings-Ala'ilima

An Assistant Attorney General who sought to downplay the bill's scope, arguing it would not grant new authority and that individuals could turn to the Washington State Bar Association if they believed the use of civil investigative demands was being abused.

Rep. Jim Walsh

A Republican state representative from Aberdeen who raised questions about accountability and oversight for the AG's use of civil investigative demands.

James McMahan

A representative of the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs who warned the bill would 'allow the Attorney General's Office to bring a law enforcement agency to its knees.'

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What they’re saying

“This an enormous amount of power to be giving this office, when we've already seen corruption and bad behavior on their side.”

— Rep. Jenny Graham, State Representative (thereflector.com)

“The argument that the bar association will oversee this is a red herring. The bar association does not oversee the individual actions of a law enforcement agency or an investigative agency to the level that's necessary for public scrutiny for this type of power. In my opinion it should be put down. There is zero restriction here.”

— Preston McCollam, Spokane County Prosecutor (thereflector.com)

“Who watches the watchman? What is your process for checking the administration and execution of civil investigative demands? The answer is you (the AG's office) watch yourself.”

— Rep. Jim Walsh, State Representative (thereflector.com)

“We believe that government should helping each other serve the public, not suing each other. Is the attorney general a law enforcement agency or the watchdog over Washington law enforcement agencies? We don't think it can be both.”

— James McMahan, Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (thereflector.com)

What’s next

The bill will continue to be debated in the Washington State Legislature, with the House Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee expected to take further action on the legislation.

The takeaway

This debate highlights the ongoing tension between expanding government investigative powers and maintaining appropriate checks and balances to prevent potential abuse of authority. The outcome of this bill could have significant implications for the balance of power between the Attorney General's Office and other elected officials, law enforcement agencies, and the public in Washington state.