By The Seattle Medium
OLYMPIA – The House Finance Committee has advanced House Bill 2015, marking a significant shift in how Washington State invests in public safety and community well-being. Led by members of the Legislative Black Caucus (LBC), the bill aims to move away from traditional, top-down law enforcement funding models and instead prioritize local decision-making, accountability, and community-driven solutions.
The legislation, sponsored by Rep. Debra Entenman (D-Kent), seeks to address systemic inequities in public safety funding, ensuring that resources are allocated based on equity, transparency, and real outcomes. It introduces a new framework that allows local governments to determine their own safety priorities while demanding greater accountability from law enforcement agencies.
“For too long, public safety funding has been treated like a blank check for law enforcement, without regard for the actual needs of our communities,” said Rep. Entenman. “House Bill 2015 gives power back to local governments to make decisions about their own safety priorities and invest in the training, retention, and hiring practices that ensure law enforcement serves all communities—especially those that have been historically marginalized.”
The bill consists of two key components designed to redefine public safety investments. First, it grants local revenue authority, allowing cities and counties to impose a 0.1% sales tax to fund community safety initiatives. This measure gives local leaders the flexibility to allocate resources where they are needed most, addressing crime prevention, crisis response, and other public safety priorities.
Second, it establishes strategic grants for law enforcement improvement, which will be administered by the Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC). These competitive grants will fund training programs focused on de-escalation tactics, use-of-force policies, crisis intervention, and trauma-informed care. Law enforcement agencies seeking these funds will be required to demonstrate transparency in officer hiring, retention, and vacancy rates, ensuring that investments lead to meaningful improvements in public trust and department performance.
“This bill is not just about funding more officers—it’s about creating a justice system that works for everyone,” said Rep. Kristine Reeves, Chair of the Legislative Black Caucus and a co-sponsor of the bill. “We are committed to a future where law enforcement agencies reflect the communities they serve and where those agencies are held to the highest standards of accountability and professionalism. HB 2015 ties funding to performance and results, demanding that officers are better trained, communities are safer, and all Washington residents are treated with dignity and respect.”
The bill also aligns with broader racial justice efforts, ensuring that Black and other marginalized communities are not subjected to discriminatory policing practices that erode trust. The Legislative Black Caucus has long advocated for a public safety system that prioritizes community resilience, local authority, and sustainable resources, and HB 2015 is a step toward achieving that vision.
The bill includes several key provisions aimed at strengthening law enforcement accountability and improving public safety outcomes. Law enforcement agencies receiving funds must comply with the Keep Washington Working Act, ensuring that public safety services are provided to all residents, regardless of immigration status. Agencies must also adopt Attorney General and CJTC model policies on use of force, duty to intervene, and firearm relinquishment in domestic violence cases, aligning their practices with ethical and legal standards.
Funding will be tied to clear accountability metrics, requiring agencies to track officer vacancies, retention rates, and compliance with mandatory training. Additionally, resources will be allocated to proven public safety strategies, such as crisis intervention, trauma-informed care, and recruitment programs that prioritize hiring officers from the communities they serve.
As House Bill 2015 moves to the House floor for further debate, its sponsors remain committed to challenging the status quo and advancing a vision of public safety that prioritizes justice, equity, and accountability. They argue that Washington’s communities deserve a public safety system that is responsive, sustainable, and built from the ground up, ensuring that every resident feels safe and supported.
“We are not just asking for change; we are demanding accountability,” said Rep. Entenman. “This bill makes it clear that public safety is not about more policing but about creating strong, thriving communities. It’s about smart investments, bold policies, and ensuring that every community—especially those most impacted by systemic injustice—has the resources and support they deserve.”
