Washington State lawmakers are advancing Senate Bill 5974, which would impose new eligibility requirements and certification mandates on sheriffs and other law enforcement leaders statewide—and allow removal of a sheriff from office if they lose peace officer certification. The bill, sponsored by Senator John Lovick, passed the state Senate on February 12, 2026, on a 30‑19 party‑line vote and now proceeds to the House. Washington State Standard

SB 5974 broadens requirements for sheriffs to include minimum age (25), a high‑school education, U.S. citizenship, no felony or gross‑misdemeanor convictions (including disqualifying conduct), at least five years of uninterrupted law enforcement experience, and maintenance of peace‑officer certification. If a sheriff is decertified, fails to meet ongoing eligibility criteria, or loses certification, the office would be declared vacant, and a replacement would be appointed by county authorities rather than elected. Bill text and Senate bill report

The bill also restricts the roles of volunteers, youth cadets, and specially commissioned officers—prohibiting them from arresting, using force or weapons, pursuing suspects, enforcing criminal or immigration law, or accessing law‑enforcement databases unless certified. Agencies must publicly distinguish such individuals from certified peace officers. Washington State Standard and SBA bill report

Local sheriffs—from Adams, Chelan, Grant, Benton, Okanogan, Walla Walla, and Thurston counties—have raised constitutional and practical concerns. They warn the bill undermines voter accountability by allowing removal of an elected official by an unelected state-approved commission rather than the electorate. Several sheriffs and their associations argue that existing mechanisms such as elections, recalls, and state or federal investigations already ensure sheriff accountability. NBC Right Now and the Chelan County statement

Within our region, Longview‑area legislators must consider whether SB 5974 could force abrupt leadership changes in Cowlitz County’s sheriff’s office—an elected position. Should the bill pass as written, a decertified or otherwise disqualified sheriff could be removed and replaced without voter input, raising concerns about democratic accountability in rural jurisdictions.

Why this matters

Southwest Washington depends on voter‑elected sheriff departments rooted in local accountability and community trust. SB 5974 shifts authority from voters to state‑level entities—potentially limiting local say in law enforcement leadership. Proponents say modern standards enhance public safety and consistency; critics see a slippery slope threatening the constitutional principle that “all political power is inherent in the people.” For Cowlitz County, this debate is not abstract—it speaks to who controls local law enforcement and how trust is preserved or diminished.