Washington Senate Passes Bill to Allow State Board to Remove Elected Sheriffs

The controversial legislation would give a state commission the power to oust county sheriffs, sparking debate over local control and accountability.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Washington State Senate has passed a bill that would allow a state board to remove elected county sheriffs. Supporters argue the measure is needed to update laws and increase accountability, while opponents warn it undermines voters' right to choose their local law enforcement leaders. The bill now heads to the state House for consideration.

Why it matters

This legislation touches on the long-standing debate over the balance of power between state and local governments, as well as the appropriate level of oversight and accountability for elected law enforcement officials. Proponents say it's necessary to ensure sheriffs uphold state laws, while critics view it as an overreach that could politicize the office of sheriff.

The details

Senate Bill 5974 would grant the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission the authority to remove elected county sheriffs. Currently, 38 of the state's 39 counties have elected sheriffs, with only King County having an appointed sheriff. Supporters of the bill, including Democratic Sen. Manka Dhingra, argue it is needed to update outdated laws and set clearer eligibility standards and accountability rules for sheriffs. Opponents, including Republican senators, warn the measure undermines voters' right to choose their local law enforcement leaders.

  • The Washington State Senate passed the bill on a party-line vote on February 13, 2026.
  • The bill now moves to the state House for consideration.

The players

Senate Bill 5974

A bill that would allow the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission to remove elected county sheriffs.

Sen. Manka Dhingra

A Democratic senator from Seattle who supports the bill, arguing it is needed to update laws and increase accountability for sheriffs.

Sen. John Lovick

A Democratic senator and former Washington State Patrol officer who is the prime sponsor of SB 5974.

Sen. Mark Schoesler

A Republican senator from Ritzville who opposes the bill, arguing it is not good public policy.

Sen. Nikki Torres

A Republican senator from Yakima who opposes the bill, saying it undermines voters' right to choose their sheriff.

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What they’re saying

“'When an elected sheriff can sit in a Senate committee room and threaten senators, what do we expect people to do with a pen and a piece of paper? I fundamentally believe that the pen is mightier than the sword. But for the average person on the street, that gun is a lot more powerful than the pen. And that is why we need this bill.'”

— Sen. Manka Dhingra, Democratic senator from Seattle (dailyfly.com)

“'This is completely undermining the voters. We need to be able to have a right to choose who we want to elect. There's a select few here who it sounds like have an issue with one sheriff. This is not the way to address it.'”

— Sen. Nikki Torres, Republican senator from Yakima (dailyfly.com)

What’s next

The bill will now move to the Washington State House of Representatives for consideration.

The takeaway

This legislation highlights the ongoing tension between state and local control, as well as the debate over the appropriate level of oversight and accountability for elected law enforcement officials. The outcome of this bill in the House will be closely watched as it could set a precedent for other states considering similar measures.