Ferguson signs controversial law tightening standards for WA sheriffs

By: Jake Goldstein-Street

Outlets: Washington State Standard

Published: April 1, 2026

Words: 806

Last Updated: 2 months, 2 weeks ago

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Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson on Wednesday signed into law new standards for sheriffs that make it easier to remove them from office.

But Ferguson didn’t love all of Senate Bill 5974, suggesting it could be tweaked in 2027.

Sheriffs, who are mostly elected in Washington, ardently opposed the law as undemocratic. The law’s supporters, who see it as holding police leaders to the same standards as their rank-and-file officers, expect litigation.

The …

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