Burnett criticizes sheriff decertification bill

WENATCHEE — Legislation approved by the Washington State House of Representatives would allow a state commission to remove a county sheriff from office if the official loses law-enforcement certification.

The bill, 2SSB 5974, would give the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission authority to decertify a sheriff who loses certification as a peace officer, which could result in the office being declared vacant.

Under Washington law, decertification typically occurs only in cases involving serious misconduct or other violations that disqualify an officer from serving in law enforcement.

Rep. Brian Burnett, R-Wenatchee, criticized the proposal, arguing it shifts authority away from voters.

“This bill takes authority away from voters and puts it in the hands of an unelected board in Olympia,” Burnett said in a statement. “Sheriffs answer directly to the people who elected them. If a sheriff violates the public trust, the voters already have a remedy through the recall process.”

Burnett said allowing a state commission to effectively remove an elected sheriff undermines the role voters play in choosing local law-enforcement leaders.

County sheriffs in Washington are elected officials, unlike police chiefs, who are typically appointed by city leaders.

Burnett served three terms as Chelan County sheriff before losing reelection in 2022. His time in office included several employment disputes and lawsuits filed by former deputies and staff, some of which resulted in costly settlements for Chelan County taxpayers, including a case that awarded a former employee more than $400,000 and reinstatement following arbitration.

The bill’s prime sponsor, Sen. John Lovick, also previously served as a sheriff in Snohomish County. Supporters say the measure is intended to establish consistent professional standards for law-enforcement leadership and clarify how a sheriff could be removed from office if they lose certification.

Burnett also argued expanding the state’s role in reviewing law-enforcement leadership could move decision-making further from local communities.

“Sheriffs are elected by the people of their counties, not appointed by Olympia,” he said.

The Wenatchee lawmaker also said he expects the measure could face legal challenges if it becomes law.

“The constitutional validity of this proposal is going to be challenged in the courts,” Burnett said.

The House approved the bill without Republican support. Because the legislation was amended in the House, it must return to the Washington State Senate for concurrence before it can move forward in the legislative process.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media