Legislative Affairs

WSLEA encourages the enactment of just, enforceable laws to curtail crime and protect the lives and property of all our state’s citizens. Because of the Association’s broad membership base, experienced leadership, expertise and statewide reputation, WSLEA has earned the attention of state and local government.

Blue Alert

On March 15, 2012, Gov. Christine Gregoire signed into law HB 1820 (which passed 98 to 0 in the House and 48 to 0 in the Senate) which requires the Washington State Patrol to develop a statewide Blue Alert system to quickly notify the public and speed the apprehension of violent criminals suspected of killing or seriously injuring a local, state, or federal law enforcement officer.  The system will be developed consistent with the AMBER Alert system including: procedures to support the investigating law enforcement agency as a resource for the receipt and dissemination of information about the suspect, the suspect’s whereabouts, and methods of escape; a process for reporting information to designated media outlets; and criteria for the investigating agency to determine quickly whether an officer has been seriously injured or killed and whether a Blue Alert needs to be activated.

Proposed merger of LEOFF 1 and LEOFF 2 pension plans

WSLEA does not support the  proposed merger of the LEOFF 1 and 2 pension plans, as outlined in Senate Bill 6563 and House Bill 2350.  Attached is a sample of a letter sent on behalf of WSLEA to legislators supporting defeat of SB 6563 and HB 2350.  Legislative Letter.

“We owe a debt of gratitude to the members of LEOFF I, family and friends. Thank you for all your emails, letter writing, and phone calls to stop SB 6563 and HB 2350 from passing this year. Thank you for your hard work and dedication.” Mark Curtis, LEOFF I Coalition Lobbyist, LEOFF I Coalition Board

Merging plan 1 and plan 2 of the law enforcement officers’ and firefighters’ retirement system, SB 6563, HB 2350, were introduced on April 11, 2012, the last day of the 2nd special session of the 2012 Legislative Session.

For information regarding LEOFF I activities and current issues: The LEOFF I Coalition.  The mission of the LEOFF I Coalition is to protect the integrity of the LEOFF I Law and LEOFF I Retirement Trust Fund.  LEOFF I Coalition members are law enforcement officers and fire fighters.

Legislative Affairs Links and Resources

Washington Legislative Home Page

Legislative Bill Trac
Legislative Calendars
Search for Text in a Bill
Washington Legislature Home
How a Bill Becomes a Law
WSLEA’s Legislative Track Record

To receive information regarding specific legislation or for members to share their thoughts on any particular piece of legislation, either call the WSLEA Office at: 1-800-227-WSLE(9753) or E-mail us at: wslea@wslea.org.