Washington Sheriffs Oppose Bill Allowing Decertification

Asotin County Sheriff John Hilderbrand leads opposition to legislation that would give state panel power over elected sheriffs

Published on Mar. 11, 2026

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Asotin County Sheriff John Hilderbrand has joined sheriffs across Washington state in opposing a new bill that would allow an unelected state panel to remove an elected sheriff from office. Senate Bill 5974 and its House counterpart would give the panel the power to decertify a sheriff for misconduct, which Hilderbrand says could set a dangerous precedent of state officials overriding the will of local voters.

Why it matters

This legislation is seen by many sheriffs as a threat to the independence of the office of sheriff, which is an elected position in Washington. Sheriffs have frequently opposed state-level laws, especially on issues like gun control, arguing that their primary duty is to uphold the U.S. Constitution as elected officials accountable to local voters.

The details

The bills would establish a state panel with the authority to investigate and potentially decertify sheriffs for misconduct. Hilderbrand argues this could lead to the panel removing sheriffs for simply disagreeing with the state government on policy matters. He has called on citizens to contact their state legislators and the governor to oppose the legislation, warning that it will likely face immediate legal challenges if signed into law.

  • Senate Bill 5974 and its House counterpart were introduced in the 2026 legislative session.
  • The bills have passed both the state Senate and House, and are awaiting the governor's signature.

The players

John Hilderbrand

The sheriff of Asotin County, Washington, who has emerged as a leader in the opposition to the legislation that would allow the state to decertify elected sheriffs.

Senate Bill 5974

A bill introduced in the Washington state Senate that would give an unelected state panel the power to remove elected county sheriffs from office for misconduct.

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What they’re saying

“If a sheriff does anything that that board does not like, they can come in for a misconduct, decertify, and remove from office.”

— John Hilderbrand, Asotin County Sheriff (Facebook)

What’s next

If the governor signs the bill into law, Hilderbrand has warned that there will likely be immediate legal challenges from sheriffs across the state.

The takeaway

This legislation highlights the ongoing tension between state and local authorities, with elected sheriffs asserting their independence and arguing that they have a duty to uphold the Constitution as representatives of their communities. The outcome of this battle could set an important precedent for the balance of power between state and local governments in Washington.