Statement from House Republican Leader J.T. Wilcox on the passage of House Bill 2037
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Statement from House Republican Leader J.T. Wilcox on the passage of House Bill 2037
House Republican Leader J.T. Wilcox released the following statement after the passage of House Bill 2037 (Modifying the standard for use of force by peace officers) today.
“While this is a step in the right direction, House Republicans wish the bill went further and hope it can be improved in the Senate. The Legislature still has a lot more work to do to fix the problems created by the flawed policing legislation passed by Democrats last year. It is also critical for state lawmakers to pass House Bill 1788. The measure would allow police officers to engage in vehicular pursuits when there is reasonable suspicion that someone in the vehicle has committed or is committing a violent offense, is attempting to escape, or is driving under the influence. House Democratic leadership has assured me they will make every effort to move this bill forward. The sooner, the better, as every day counts for our communities.”
House Bill 2037 passed the House on a 87-11 vote. House Bill 1788 passed out of the House Public Safety Committee on February 3 and was referred to the House Rules Committee.
Learn more:
- Why Democrats' police reform bills have made communities less safe | Real-life examples of legislation's impact
- Public safety: The Republican Safe Washington Plan
- House Bill 2037 | Modifying the standard for use of force by peace officers.
- House Bill 1788 | Concerning vehicular pursuits.
- House Bill 1310 | Concerning permissible uses of force by law enforcement and correctional officers. (Passed in 2021)
- House Bill 1054 | Establishing requirements for tactics and equipment used by peace officers. (Passed in 2021)
