Judge blocks Washington's new sheriff standards law
Last edited Thu Apr 30, 2026, 12:41 PM - Edit history (1)
Washington’s new law setting stricter eligibility standards for sheriffs was partially blocked in state court on Wednesday, one day before much of it was set to take effect.
The preliminary decision from a Thurston County Superior Court judge came in response to a lawsuit four eastern Washington sheriffs filed against the state.
Senate Bill 5974 established new, equal standards for county sheriffs, who are usually elected, and police chiefs, who are appointed. Failing to meet the new requirements or getting state certification revoked is grounds for removal from office under the new law.
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The state plans to appeal the ruling.
https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/04/29/judge-blocks-washingtons-new-sheriff-standards-law/
On edit:
Judge Christine Schaller grants preliminary injunction to a group of sheriffs challenging a qualifications provision in SB 5974
In a lengthy, odd, and unusual verbal ruling from the bench, Thurston County Superior Court Judge Christine Schaller today enjoined a portion of a watershed police accountability law championed by the Northwest Progressive Institute and its allies from taking effect tomorrow, ruling in favor of a group of sheriffs who say it’s unconstitutional.
The language at issue prescribes new, long overdue qualifications for county sheriffs in Washington State, most of which are directly elected by voters, though King County does have an appointed sheriff as set forth in its amended county charter.
The sheriffs argue the Legislature doesn’t have the authority to set such qualifications. The State of Washington, represented by Attorney General Nick Brown and Solicitor General Noah Purcell, contends that the Legislature does have that authority and acted constitutionally when it passed Senate Bill 5974.
NPI’s research has found that 75% of voters, including majorities of Republicans and independents, support Senate Bill 5974. An overall majority are strongly supportive.
https://www.nwprogressive.org/weblog/2026/04/judge-christine-schaller-grants-preliminary-injunction-to-a-group-of-sheriffs-challenging-a-qualifications-provision-in-sb-5974.html