Statement from Rep. Gina Mosbrucker on certificationof vehicular pursuit initiative, referral to Senate committee

Rep. Gina Mosbrucker, R-Goldendale, who serves as ranking Republican on the House Community Safety, Justice, and Reentry Committee, issued this statement following the certification by the Secretary of State’s office of Initiative 2113 (vehicular pursuit) and referral of the measure to the Senate Law and Justice Committee:

“As legislators, we must listen to the people of the state of Washington. More than 400-thousand people signed this initiative because they are genuinely concerned about the ability of law enforcement officers to do their jobs, to pursue and apprehend suspected criminals, and to keep our communities safe.

“It is exceptional news that this initiative has been certified. And now that it is in the hands of the Legislature, we need to take quick and decisive action to restore the ability of law enforcement officers to use their training and expertise to decide if it is safer to pursue or not pursue for the community.

“The people have spoken, and it is our job to listen to them and restore the original law.”

Initiative 2113 is “An act relating to restoring the authority of a peace officer to engage in a vehicular pursuit when there is reasonable suspicion a person has violated the law, and the officer follows appropriate safety standards; and amending RCW 10.116.060.”

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