A bill passed by the Washington State Senate continues to ignite debate, with critics warning it could inadvertently ‘weaponize’ the Attorney General’s Office by granting it expanded civil investigative powers.

Senate Bill 5925 (SB 5925) passed the Senate with a 30–19 vote. According to a recent report, the bill extends the AGO’s authority to issue civil investigative demands—already used for probing Consumer Protection Act violations, Medicaid fraud, and rent stabilization—to constitutional and statutory infractions, including those involving the state and U.S. Constitutions, the Keep Washington Working Act, wage laws, anti-discrimination provisions, and the City and County Jails Act. Failure to comply could result in criminal penalties, and the bill includes a gag-order provision that makes public disclosure of such demands a misdemeanor offense. Critics argue the bill lacks sufficient due-process safeguards, while supporters emphasize accountability and workplace protections. SB 5925 is now awaiting assignment to a House committee. (The Center Square)

In response to concerns raised by cities and counties, recent committee amendments have added several limitations to the bill. Among the guardrails now included:

  • Civil investigative demands may not be issued in criminal investigations or for law-enforcement use-of-force incidents.
  • Investigative materials must be handled consistent with the Keep Washington Working Act.
  • The compliance timeline for appealing or responding to a demand has been extended from 20 to 30 days.

(Association of Washington Cities)

Why This Matters for Cowlitz County
The expanded powers of the AGO directly bear on local governance structures like those in Longview and Kelso. Local businesses, public institutions, and correctional agencies could face unprecedented scrutiny under constitutional or statutory standards previously outside the AGO’s jurisdiction. The gag-order provision may restrict transparency, while the misdemeanor penalty for disclosure raises questions about civic oversight and public-interest reporting. With the bill now advancing to the House, local leaders and residents should consider engaging the state legislature to ensure community rights and procedural fairness are upheld.

The story remains in development. We will continue to track legislative movements related to SB 5925, including upcoming hearings, amendments, and implications for transparency and local accountability.