Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session Status: Enacted 22 D cosponsors

SB 5068 — Concerning agencies, firefighters, prosecutors, and general or limited authority law enforcement, extending eligibility for employment to all United States citizens or persons legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.

Last action — Effective date 3/18/2026.

  1. ✓
    Introduced
  2. ✓
    In Committee
  3. ✓
    Passed Senate
  4. ✓
    Passed House
  5. ✓
    To Executive
  6. 6
    Enacted

This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced December 16, 2024. Enacted.

Signed by Governor Bob Ferguson (Democratic) on March 18, 2026.

Odds of enactment

High chance

Based on the sponsor, cosponsors, and committee posture, this bill has a high chance of becoming law.

Upgrade to see the exact probability and what's driving it.

A statistical estimate from our own model of past outcomes — an insight, not a guarantee. Policymaking is volatile.

Prognosis

Likely to advance 82% · moderate confidence
  • Enacted

    Current position in the legislative process.

  • 22 sponsors

    1 primary, 21 co-sponsors signed on.

  • Single-party support

    Sponsorship is currently within one party (22 D).

  • Cleared a recorded vote

    Passed 4 recorded votes so far.

Based on stage, sponsorship breadth, committee status, recorded votes, and cross-state momentum — a description of the observable signals, not a prediction.

Bill Text

What changed in the latest version

352 added · 274 removed

Plain-language change summary

The recent amendments to SB 5068 allow law enforcement agencies to consider applicants who are legally authorized to work in the United States, rather than limiting eligibility to U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents. This change is significant because it broadens the pool of potential candidates for law enforcement positions, which can help agencies better reflect and serve the diverse communities they operate in. Additionally, the revisions clarify that these hiring practices must still adhere to federal work authorization requirements, ensuring compliance with existing laws.

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Latest
S-0335.1 SENATE BILL 5068 State of Washington 69th Legislature 2025 Regular Session By Senators Lovick, Hansen, Dhingra, Frame, Hasegawa, Liias, Nobles, Salomon, Trudeau, Valdez, and Wellman Prefiled 12/16/24.
ENGROSSED SENATE BILL 5068 State of Washington 69th Legislature 2025 Regular Session By Senators Lovick, Hansen, Dhingra, Frame, Hasegawa, Liias, Nobles, Salomon, Trudeau, Valdez, and Wellman Prefiled 12/16/24.
and adding a new section to chapter 36.27 RCW.
adding a new section to chapter 10.93 RCW;
adding a new section to chapter 41.08 RCW;
adding a new section to chapter 41.12 RCW;
adding a new section to chapter 41.14 RCW;
adding a new section to chapter 36.27 RCW;
adding a new section to chapter 43.101 RCW;
adding a new section to chapter 77.15 RCW;
creating a new section;
and declaring an emergency.
This section shall be interpreted and applied consistent with federal law and regulations.
This section shall not be construed to permit an employer to override or bypass work authorization requirements stated in section 274a.2 of Title 8 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
1 SB 5068 Sec.
1 ESB 5068 This section shall be interpreted and applied consistent with federal law and regulations.
This section shall not be construed to permit an employer to override or bypass work authorization requirements stated in section 274a.2 of Title 8 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
NEW SECTION.
Sec.
A new section is added to chapter 10.93 RCW to read as follows:
Any person with an office, place, position, or employment within a general authority Washington law enforcement agency or limited authority Washington law enforcement agency must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.
This section shall be interpreted and applied consistent with federal law and regulations.
This section shall not be construed to permit an employer to override or bypass work authorization requirements stated in section 274a.2 of Title 8 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Sec.
3.
Sec.
p.
3.
2 ESB 5068 Sec.
4.
NEW SECTION.
4.
5.
A new section is added to chapter 41.08 RCW to read as follows:
A person holding a position of any kind under civil service under the provisions of this chapter must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.
This section shall be interpreted and applied consistent with federal law and regulations.
This section shall not be construed to permit an employer to override or bypass work authorization requirements stated in section 274a.2 of Title 8 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Sec.
6.
p.
An applicant for a position of any kind under civil service under the provisions of this chapter, must be a ((citizen of the United States of America, a lawful permanent resident, or a deferred action for childhood arrivals recipient)) person who is legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.
2 SB 5068 An applicant for a position of any kind under civil service under the provisions of this chapter, must be a ((citizen of the United States of America, a lawful permanent resident, or a deferred action for childhood arrivals recipient)) person who is legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.
An application for a position with a law enforcement agency may be rejected if the law enforcement agency deems that it does not have the resources to conduct the background investigation required pursuant to chapter 43.101 RCW.
p.
3 ESB 5068 An application for a position with a law enforcement agency may be rejected if the law enforcement agency deems that it does not have the resources to conduct the background investigation required pursuant to chapter 43.101 RCW.
NEW SECTION.
5.
7.
A new section is added to chapter 41.12 RCW to read as follows:
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A person holding a position of any kind under civil service under the provisions of this chapter must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.
This section shall be interpreted and applied consistent with federal law and regulations.
This section shall not be construed to permit an employer to override or bypass work authorization requirements stated in section 274a.2 of Title 8 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Sec.
8.
3 SB 5068 Sec.
4 ESB 5068 NEW SECTION.
6.
Sec.
9.
A new section is added to chapter 41.14 RCW to read as follows:
A person holding a position of any kind under civil service under the provisions of this chapter must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.
This section shall be interpreted and applied consistent with federal law and regulations.
This section shall not be construed to permit an employer to override or bypass work authorization requirements stated in section 274a.2 of Title 8 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Sec.
10.
Any such deputy thus serving shall have the same power in all respects as if he or she were serving permanently.
Any such deputy thus serving shall p.
5 ESB 5068 have the same power in all respects as if he or she were serving permanently.
p.
NEW SECTION.
4 SB 5068 NEW SECTION.
7.
11.
8.
12.
RCW 43.101.095 and 2024 c 330 s 10 are each amended to read as follows:
RCW 43.101.095 and 2025 c 349 s 2 are each amended to read as follows:
(1) As a condition of employment, all Washington peace officers and corrections officers are required to obtain certification as a peace officer or corrections officer or exemption therefrom and maintain certification as required by this chapter and the rules of the commission.
(1) As a condition of employment, all peace officers and all corrections officers are required to obtain certification or exemption therefrom and maintain certification as required by this chapter and the rules of the commission.
This requirement applies to any person whose certification has lapsed as a result of a break of more than 24 consecutive months in the officer's service for a reason other than being recalled into military service.
This requirement applies to any applicant moving from any Washington law enforcement or corrections agency to another, as well as applicants moving from a certified peace officer position to a certified corrections officer position, or vice versa, within the same agency.
This requirement does not apply to any person p.
6 ESB 5068 whose certification has lapsed as a result of a break of more than 24 consecutive months in the officer's service as a result of being recalled into military service.
Law enforcement or correctional agencies that previously employed the applicant shall disclose employment information within 30 days of receiving a written request from the p.
Law enforcement or correctional agencies that previously employed the applicant shall disclose employment information within 30 days of receiving a written request from the employing agency conducting the background investigation, including the reason for the officer's separation from the agency.
5 SB 5068 employing agency conducting the background investigation, including the reason for the officer's separation from the agency.
(vi) A psychological examination administered by a psychiatrist licensed in the state of Washington pursuant to chapter 18.71 RCW or a psychologist licensed in the state of Washington pursuant to chapter 18.83 RCW, in compliance with standards established in rules of the commission;
(vi) A psychological examination administered by a psychiatrist licensed in the state of Washington pursuant to chapter 18.71 RCW or a psychologist licensed in the state of Washington pursuant to p.
7 ESB 5068 chapter 18.83 RCW, in compliance with standards established in rules of the commission;
(d) The employing law enforcement agency may require that each person who is required to take a psychological examination and a polygraph or similar test pay a portion of the testing fee based on p.
(d) The employing law enforcement agency may require that each person who is required to take a psychological examination and a polygraph or similar test pay a portion of the testing fee based on the actual cost of the test or $400, whichever is less.
6 SB 5068 the actual cost of the test or $400, whichever is less.
The peace officer or corrections officer must also consent to and facilitate a review of the officer's social media accounts, however, consistent with RCW 49.44.200, the officer is not required to provide login information.
The peace officer or corrections officer must also consent to and facilitate a review of p.
8 ESB 5068 the officer's social media accounts, however, consistent with RCW 49.44.200, the officer is not required to provide login information.
p.
(7) Prior to certification, the employing agency shall certify to the commission that the agency has completed the background check, no information has been found that would disqualify the applicant from certification, and the applicant is suitable for employment as a peace officer or corrections officer.
7 SB 5068 (7) Prior to certification, the employing agency shall certify to the commission that the agency has completed the background check, no information has been found that would disqualify the applicant from certification, and the applicant is suitable for employment as a peace officer or corrections officer.
NEW SECTION.
9.
13.
A new section is added to chapter 43.101 RCW to read as follows:
Washington peace officers and corrections officers must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.
This section shall be interpreted and applied consistent with federal law and regulations.
This section shall not be construed to permit an employer to override or bypass work authorization requirements stated in section 274a.2 of Title 8 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
Sec.
14.
(2) An applicant for a fish and wildlife officer position must be a citizen of the United States of America((, a lawful permanent resident, or a deferred action for childhood arrivals recipient)) or legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.
(2) An applicant for a fish and wildlife officer position must be a citizen of the United States of America((, a lawful permanent resident, or a deferred action for childhood arrivals recipient)) or p.
9 ESB 5068 legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.
NEW SECTION.
Sec.
15.
A new section is added to chapter 77.15 RCW to read as follows:
Fish and wildlife officers must be legally authorized to work in the United States under federal law.
This section shall be interpreted and applied consistent with federal law and regulations.
This section shall not be construed to permit an employer to override or bypass work authorization requirements stated in section 274a.2 of Title 8 of the Code of Federal Regulations.
NEW SECTION.
Sec.
16.
Sections 2, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13, and 15 apply retroactively to individuals who are employed on and after the effective date of this act.
NEW SECTION.
Sec.
17.
This act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately.
8 SB 5068
10 ESB 5068
View plain text versions (3)

Action History

  1. Effective date 3/18/2026.

  2. Chapter 103, 2026 Laws.

  3. Governor signed.

  4. Delivered to Governor.

  5. Speaker signed.

  6. President signed.

  7. Passed final passage; yeas, 28; nays, 19; absent, 0; excused, 2.

  8. Senate concurred in House amendments.

  9. Third reading, passed; yeas, 62; nays, 33; absent, 0; excused, 3.

  10. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

  11. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

  12. Committee amendment not adopted.

  13. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

  14. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

  15. Minority; do not pass.

  16. CS - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).

  17. Executive action taken in the House Committee on Community Safety at 1:30 PM.

  18. Public hearing in the House Committee on Community Safety at 10:30 AM.

  19. First reading, referred to Community Safety.

  20. Third reading, passed; yeas, 30; nays, 19; absent, 0; excused, 0.

  21. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

  22. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

  23. Returned to second reading for amendment.

  24. Rules suspended.

  25. Placed on third reading by Rules Committee.

  26. By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.

  27. By resolution, returned to Senate Rules Committee for third reading.

  28. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

  29. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

  30. Minority; do not pass.

  31. CS - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).

  32. Executive action taken in the House Committee on Community Safety at 8:00 AM.

  33. Public hearing in the House Committee on Community Safety at 10:30 AM.

  34. First reading, referred to Community Safety.

  35. Third reading, passed; yeas, 49; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.

  36. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

  37. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

  38. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

  39. LAW - Majority; do pass.

  40. Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Law & Justice at 10:30 AM.

  41. Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Law & Justice at 8:00 AM.

  42. First reading, referred to Law & Justice.

  43. Prefiled for introduction.

Sponsors

Sponsorship breakdown

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1 sponsors · 21 co-sponsors · 129 not signed on · 51 voted No

Sponsors (1)

Co-sponsors (21)

Not signed on (129)

129 members have not signed on to this bill.

Show all 129 →

"Not signed on" means a member has not sponsored or co-sponsored this bill — it does not imply opposition. Members flagged Voted No have a recorded No vote on this bill.

Whip count is in markup. Polling the chamber and every recorded vote this session. Only the first open is slow. It’s instant for you after this. Calling the roll · Tallying · Engrossing

Votes

Passed 28 Yea · 19 Nay · 2 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democrat 28002
Republican 01900
Total 281902
% of votes cast 57%39%0%4%
How each member voted (49)
Member Party Vote
Adrian Cortes Democrat Yea
Annette Cleveland Democrat Yea
Bob Hasegawa Democrat Yea
Claire Wilson Democrat Yea
Claudia Kauffman Democrat Yea
Deborah Krishnadasan Democrat Yea
Derek Stanford Democrat Yea
Drew Hansen Democrat Yea
Emily Alvarado Democrat Yea
Jamie Pedersen Democrat Yea
Javier Valdez Democrat Yea
Jesse Salomon Democrat Yea
Jessica Bateman Democrat Yea
John Lovick Democrat Yea
June Robinson Democrat Yea
Lisa Wellman Democrat Yea
Liz Lovelett Democrat Yea
Manka Dhingra Democrat Yea
Marcus Riccelli Democrat Yea
Marko Liias Democrat Yea
Mike Chapman Democrat Yea
Noel Frame Democrat Yea
Rebecca Saldaña Democrat Not Voting
Sharon Shewmake Democrat Yea
Steve Conway Democrat Yea
T'wina Nobles Democrat Yea
Tina Orwall Democrat Yea
Vandana Slatter Democrat Yea
Victoria Hunt Democrat Yea
Yasmin Trudeau Democrat Not Voting
Chris Gildon Republican Nay
Curtis King Republican Nay
Drew MacEwen Republican Nay
Jeff Holy Republican Nay
Jeff Wilson Republican Nay
Jim McCune Republican Nay
John Braun Republican Nay
Judy Warnick Republican Nay
Keith Goehner Republican Nay
Keith Wagoner Republican Nay
Leonard Christian Republican Nay
Mark Schoesler Republican Nay
Matt Boehnke Republican Nay
Nikki Torres Republican Nay
Paul Harris Republican Nay
Perry Dozier Republican Nay
Phil Fortunato Republican Nay
Ron Muzzall Republican Nay
Shelly Short Republican Nay

Official roll call →

Passed 62 Yea · 33 Nay · 3 Other
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Republican 43202
Democrat 58101
Total 623303
% of votes cast 63%34%0%3%
How each member voted (98)
Member Party Vote
Adam Bernbaum Democrat Yea
Adison Richards Democrat Yea
Adrian Cortes Democrat Yea
Alex Ramel Democrat Yea
Alicia Rule Democrat Yea
Amy Walen Democrat Yea
April Berg Democrat Yea
Beth Doglio Democrat Yea
Brandy Donaghy Democrat Yea
Brianna Thomas Democrat Yea
Chipalo Street Democrat Yea
Chris Stearns Democrat Yea
Cindy Ryu Democrat Yea
Clyde Shavers Democrat Yea
Dan Bronoske Democrat Yea
Darya Farivar Democrat Yea
Dave Paul Democrat Yea
David Hackney Democrat Yea
Davina Duerr Democrat Yea
Debra Entenman Democrat Yea
Debra Lekanoff Democrat Yea
Edwin Obras Democrat Yea
Gerry Pollet Democrat Yea
Greg Nance Democrat Yea
Jake Fey Democrat Yea
Jamila Taylor Democrat Yea
Janice Zahn Democrat Yea
Javier Valdez Democrat Nay
Joe Fitzgibbon Democrat Yea
Joe Timmons Democrat Yea
Julia Reed Democrat Yea
Kristine Reeves Democrat Yea
Larry Springer Democrat Yea
Lauren Davis Democrat Yea
Laurie Jinkins Democrat Yea
Lillian Ortiz-Self Democrat Yea
Lisa Callan Democrat Yea
Lisa Parshley Democrat Yea
Liz Berry Democrat Yea
Mari Leavitt Democrat Yea
Mary Fosse Democrat Yea
Melanie Morgan Democrat Yea
Mia Gregerson Democrat Yea
Monica Jurado Stonier Democrat Yea
My-Linh Thai Democrat Yea
Natasha Hill Democrat Yea
Nicole Macri Democrat Yea
Osman Salahuddin Democrat Yea
Roger Goodman Democrat Yea
Sharlett Mena Democrat Yea
Sharon Tomiko Santos Democrat Yea
Sharon Wylie Democrat Yea
Shaun Scott Democrat Yea
Shelley Kloba Democrat Yea
Steve Bergquist Democrat Yea
Steve Tharinger Democrat Not Voting
Strom Peterson Democrat Yea
Tarra Simmons Democrat Yea
Timm Ormsby Democrat Yea
Zach Hall Democrat Yea
Alex Ybarra Republican Nay
Andrew Barkis Republican Nay
Andrew Engell Republican Nay
April Connors Republican Nay
Brian Burnett Republican Yea
Carolyn Eslick Republican Not Voting
Chris Corry Republican Nay
Cyndy Jacobsen Republican Nay
Dan Griffey Republican Nay
David Stuebe Republican Nay
Deb Manjarrez Republican Nay
Drew Stokesbary Republican Nay
Ed Orcutt Republican Not Voting
Gloria Mendoza Republican Nay
Hunter Abell Republican Nay
Jenny Graham Republican Nay
Jeremie Dufault Republican Nay
Jim Walsh Republican Nay
Joe Schmick Republican Nay
Joel McEntire Republican Nay
John Ley Republican Nay
Joshua Penner Republican Nay
Kevin Waters Republican Yea
Mark Klicker Republican Nay
Mary Dye Republican Nay
Matt Marshall Republican Nay
Michael Keaton Republican Nay
Mike Steele Republican Yea
Mike Volz Republican Nay
Peter Abbarno Republican Nay
Rob Chase Republican Nay
Sam Low Republican Nay
Skyler Rude Republican Nay
Stephanie Barnard Republican Nay
Stephanie McClintock Republican Nay
Suzanne Schmidt Republican Nay
Tom Dent Republican Yea
Travis Couture Republican Nay

Official roll call →

Passed 30 Yea · 19 Nay
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democrat 30000
Republican 01900
Total 301900
% of votes cast 61%39%0%0%
How each member voted (49)
Member Party Vote
Adrian Cortes Democrat Yea
Annette Cleveland Democrat Yea
Bob Hasegawa Democrat Yea
Claire Wilson Democrat Yea
Claudia Kauffman Democrat Yea
Deborah Krishnadasan Democrat Yea
Derek Stanford Democrat Yea
Drew Hansen Democrat Yea
Emily Alvarado Democrat Yea
Jamie Pedersen Democrat Yea
Javier Valdez Democrat Yea
Jesse Salomon Democrat Yea
Jessica Bateman Democrat Yea
John Lovick Democrat Yea
June Robinson Democrat Yea
Lisa Wellman Democrat Yea
Liz Lovelett Democrat Yea
Manka Dhingra Democrat Yea
Marcus Riccelli Democrat Yea
Marko Liias Democrat Yea
Mike Chapman Democrat Yea
Noel Frame Democrat Yea
Rebecca Saldaña Democrat Yea
Sharon Shewmake Democrat Yea
Steve Conway Democrat Yea
T'wina Nobles Democrat Yea
Tina Orwall Democrat Yea
Vandana Slatter Democrat Yea
Victoria Hunt Democrat Yea
Yasmin Trudeau Democrat Yea
Chris Gildon Republican Nay
Curtis King Republican Nay
Drew MacEwen Republican Nay
Jeff Holy Republican Nay
Jeff Wilson Republican Nay
Jim McCune Republican Nay
John Braun Republican Nay
Judy Warnick Republican Nay
Keith Goehner Republican Nay
Keith Wagoner Republican Nay
Leonard Christian Republican Nay
Mark Schoesler Republican Nay
Matt Boehnke Republican Nay
Nikki Torres Republican Nay
Paul Harris Republican Nay
Perry Dozier Republican Nay
Phil Fortunato Republican Nay
Ron Muzzall Republican Nay
Shelly Short Republican Nay

Official roll call →

Passed 49 Yea · 0 Nay
Party YeaNayPresentNot Voting
Democrat 30000
Republican 19000
Total 49000
% of votes cast 100%0%0%0%
How each member voted (49)
Member Party Vote
Adrian Cortes Democrat Yea
Annette Cleveland Democrat Yea
Bill Ramos Democrat Yea
Bob Hasegawa Democrat Yea
Claire Wilson Democrat Yea
Claudia Kauffman Democrat Yea
Deborah Krishnadasan Democrat Yea
Derek Stanford Democrat Yea
Drew Hansen Democrat Yea
Emily Alvarado Democrat Yea
Jamie Pedersen Democrat Yea
Javier Valdez Democrat Yea
Jesse Salomon Democrat Yea
Jessica Bateman Democrat Yea
John Lovick Democrat Yea
June Robinson Democrat Yea
Lisa Wellman Democrat Yea
Liz Lovelett Democrat Yea
Manka Dhingra Democrat Yea
Marcus Riccelli Democrat Yea
Marko Liias Democrat Yea
Mike Chapman Democrat Yea
Noel Frame Democrat Yea
Rebecca Saldaña Democrat Yea
Sharon Shewmake Democrat Yea
Steve Conway Democrat Yea
T'wina Nobles Democrat Yea
Tina Orwall Democrat Yea
Vandana Slatter Democrat Yea
Yasmin Trudeau Democrat Yea
Chris Gildon Republican Yea
Curtis King Republican Yea
Drew MacEwen Republican Yea
Jeff Holy Republican Yea
Jeff Wilson Republican Yea
Jim McCune Republican Yea
John Braun Republican Yea
Judy Warnick Republican Yea
Keith Goehner Republican Yea
Keith Wagoner Republican Yea
Leonard Christian Republican Yea
Mark Schoesler Republican Yea
Matt Boehnke Republican Yea
Nikki Torres Republican Yea
Paul Harris Republican Yea
Perry Dozier Republican Yea
Phil Fortunato Republican Yea
Ron Muzzall Republican Yea
Shelly Short Republican Yea

Official roll call →

Subjects

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Frequently asked questions

Who sponsors SB 5068?
SB 5068 is sponsored by Lisa Wellman (Democrat), Yasmin Trudeau (Democrat), Jesse Salomon (Democrat), T'wina Nobles (Democrat), Marko Liias (Democrat), Bob Hasegawa (Democrat), Noel Frame (Democrat), Manka Dhingra (Democrat), Drew Hansen (Democrat), John Lovick (Democrat), and Javier Valdez (Democrat).
What is the current status of SB 5068?
This bill has been enacted into law. Introduced December 16, 2024. Enacted.
Where can I track SB 5068?
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