Story from John Sattgast, Washington State House Republican Communications
A former county sheriff is pushing back against what he calls an effort to take power away from voters. Representative Brian Burnett says his bill would clarify the authority of elected sheriffs while keeping accountability where it belongs – with the people.
Republican Representative Brian Burnett of Wenatchee has introduced House Bill 2387, known as the “Sheriffs Accountability to the Voters Act.”
The former Chelan County sheriff says the bill clears up confusion in state law about what happens when an elected sheriff is not a certified peace officer, while reinforcing that only voters – not political appointees – can remove a sheriff from office.
Burnett says the bill is a direct response to a Senate proposal that would allow a governor-appointed body to intervene.
“The difference is one is going to allow somebody that’s appointed by a governor to make these decisions to take away the voters what they want.”
Burnett’s bill makes clear that a sheriff without certification may still hold office but cannot personally perform duties that state law reserves for certified officers. It also creates a clear recall process if a sheriff loses certification while in office.
“Our elected positions, and specifically the sheriff, is constitutionally protected and it needs to stay with the voters.”
House Bill 2387 is awaiting a hearing in the House Community Safety Committee.