OLYMPIA, Wash. — An initiative amending Washington state's controversial police pursuit law passed on Monday.
The state's House voted 77-20 to pass Initiative 2113. The initiative passed the state Senate with a vote of 36-13 earlier on Monday.
It becomes law in 90 days.
Initiative 2113 will amend the state's controversial police pursuit law by restoring the authority of a police officer to engage in a pursuit when there is reasonable suspicion a person has violated the law.
In 2021, state lawmakers passed legislation that increased the threshold for evidence required for a police pursuit.
In 2023, lawmakers lowered the threshold for police to pursue a suspect from probable cause to reasonable suspicion for limited crimes. The limited crimes included violent offense, sex offense, or an escape; or DUI, vehicular assault, and domestic violence assault in the first, second, third, or fourth-degree offense.
Despite the adjustment, the law has been blamed for an increase in crimes, like car thefts.
The initiative needed to receive a majority of votes on both the House and Senate floors to become law. Unlike typical legislation, initiatives to the legislature do not require a governor’s signature and are veto-proof.
Gary Damon Jr., the interim executive director of Washington Coalition for Police Accountability, said the group opposed the change, "as we believe it will lead to more injuries, more deaths and increased collateral damage, without any benefit to public safety such as solving crimes or reducing lawlessness."
Meanwhile, the Washington state Republican Party celebrated the passing of the initiative.
“Restoring reasonable police pursuits of criminals and criminal suspects will lower crime rates. Establishing parental notification rights will support healthier and happier kids—and better school performance. And codifying Washington’s longstanding tradition of opposing any state tax on personal income will help working families and local economies,” said WAGOP Chair Jim Walsh.
Two other initiatives pass
Two other initiatives also go into law in 90 days after approval from the House and Senate on Monday.
Under Initiative 2081, parents are guaranteed the right to access 15 different public records regarding their child’s education.
Initiative 2111 bans future attempts at cities, counties, or the state government from implementing income taxes.
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