Washington Governor Signs Law Tightening Standards for Sheriffs

The new law makes it easier to remove sheriffs from office, drawing criticism from law enforcement groups.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:49am

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A photorealistic painting of a sheriff's badge or patrol car in warm, golden light, conveying a sense of political tension and nostalgia surrounding the new law.The new law tightening standards for elected sheriffs in Washington state has sparked a debate over balancing accountability and democratic principles.Olympia Today

Washington Governor Bob Ferguson has signed into law new standards for county sheriffs that make it easier to remove them from office. The legislation requires sheriffs to meet heightened eligibility criteria, including having at least five years of law enforcement experience and obtaining state certification within nine months of taking office. If sheriffs fail to meet the new requirements, they would have to vacate their positions. The law has drawn strong opposition from sheriffs, who see it as undemocratic, and the governor himself has expressed reservations about the vacancy process it outlines.

Why it matters

The new law represents an effort by state lawmakers to hold elected sheriffs to the same standards as appointed police chiefs. Supporters argue this will improve accountability, but critics contend it undermines the democratic process by making it easier to remove duly elected officials. The law is expected to face legal challenges, and the governor has indicated he may seek revisions to the vacancy provision next legislative session.

The details

The legislation requires county sheriffs to have at least five years of full-time law enforcement experience, be at least 25 years old, and not have any felony or gross misdemeanor convictions. Sheriffs must also obtain state certification from the Criminal Justice Training Commission within nine months of taking office, a shorter timeline than previously required. If a sheriff fails to meet these new standards or loses their certification, they would be required to vacate their position. Until now, the only recourse for removing a sheriff has been the rarely used recall process, leaving the decision up to voters.

  • The new law was signed by Governor Bob Ferguson on April 3, 2026.
  • Most of the law's provisions will take effect at the end of April 2026.
  • The governor has indicated he may seek revisions to the law during the 2027 legislative session.

The players

Bob Ferguson

The governor of Washington who signed the new law tightening standards for county sheriffs, though he expressed reservations about certain aspects of the legislation.

John Lovick

The Democratic state senator who sponsored Senate Bill 5974, the legislation that created the new sheriff standards.

Roger Goodman

The Democratic state representative who led the charge for the law in the House and expects it will withstand legal challenges.

Keith Swank

The Pierce County Sheriff who has open complaints before the Criminal Justice Training Commission, which will be responsible for enforcing the new sheriff certification requirements.

Mark Crider

The Walla Walla County Sheriff who has been a vocal critic of the law, arguing it is unconstitutional and takes away voters' right to choose their elected officials.

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What they’re saying

“It's a serious step when someone's being removed from office, speaking as an elected official. I just want to make sure we're being as thoughtful as possible on that, and so I just pressed that to the bill sponsors. I don't make too big a deal out of it.”

— Bob Ferguson, Governor of Washington

“We were able to satisfy his concerns. We'll be looking for ways if we can just improve that process a little bit as we go into next session.”

— John Lovick, State Senator

“We worked really hard to make sure this is constitutional. We're expecting a lawsuit over the law, but think it'll be upheld.”

— Roger Goodman, State Representative

“This is an unconstitutional piece of legislation that takes away the voters' right to choose who their elected officials are. In my opinion, the whole thing is looking for a problem that doesn't exist.”

— Mark Crider, Walla Walla County Sheriff

What’s next

The governor has indicated he may seek revisions to the law's vacancy process during the 2027 legislative session, and legal challenges to the new standards are expected.

The takeaway

This law represents an effort to hold elected sheriffs to the same standards as appointed police chiefs, but it has drawn strong opposition from law enforcement groups who see it as undermining the democratic process. The outcome of any legal challenges and potential legislative revisions will shape how this new policy is implemented in Washington state.