Washington HB2156: AGO investigator authority

What the bill says

An act Relating to the authority of investigators of the attorney general's office; and adding a new section to chapter 43.10 RCW. NEW SECTION.

From the enrolled text:

AN ACT Relating to the authority of investigators of the attorney general's office; and adding a new section to chapter 43.10 RCW. NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 43.10 RCW to read as follows: (1) The attorney general shall designate investigator positions that are limited authority Washington peace officers as defined in RCW 10.93.020. (2) An investigator designated as a limited authority Washington peace officer under this section may investigate economic and financial crimes. (3) The authority of an investigator in this section does not include the power to detain or arrest, and an investigator shall not be armed. (4) The authority of an investigator in this section to serve search warrants is limited to electronic service on a business after the search warrant is approved by a judicial officer. An investigator shall not physically serve a search warrant for business records. (5) An investigator who is a limited authority Washington peace officer under this section is subject to all applicable requirements in chapter 43.101 RCW, including but not limited to training and criminal background checks. (6) The attorney general shall not employ any person as a limited authority Washington peace officer investigator if that person's history or conduct meets the standards requiring denial, suspension, or revocation of an officer's certification under RCW 43.101.105. (7) …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• Edwin Obras (D) · primary sponsor
• Roger Goodman (D)
• Leavitt, Mari (D)
• Julia Reed (D)
• Janice Zahn (D)
• Brianna Thomas (D)
• Mia Gregerson (D)
• Timm Ormsby (D)
• Kristine Reeves (D)
• My-Linh Thai (D)
• Nicole Macri (D)
• Mary Fosse (D)

Latest actions

1. March 30, 2026: Effective date 6/11/2026.
2. March 30, 2026: Chapter 242, 2026 Laws.
3. March 30, 2026: Governor signed.
4. March 12, 2026: Delivered to Governor.
5. March 11, 2026: President signed.
6. March 11, 2026: Speaker signed.
7. March 11, 2026: Passed final passage; yeas, 54; nays, 41; absent, 0; excused, 3.
8. March 11, 2026: Vote on final passage will be reconsidered.
9. March 11, 2026: Passed final passage; yeas, 54; nays, 33; absent, 8; excused, 3.
10. March 11, 2026: House concurred in Senate amendments.

Votes

• Final Passage as Amended by the Senate on Reconsideration (March 11, 2026): 54 yea, 41 nay, passed
• Final Passage as Amended by the Senate (March 11, 2026): 54 yea, 33 nay, passed
• 3rd Reading & Final Passage as Amended by the Senate (March 5, 2026): 29 yea, 19 nay, passed
• Senate Committee on Law & Justice: Do pass as amended (February 24, 2026): 5 yea, 4 nay, passed
• 3rd Reading & Final Passage (February 16, 2026): 54 yea, 43 nay, passed
• House Committee on Community Safety: Do pass (January 22, 2026): 6 yea, 3 nay, passed

Common questions

What is HB2156?

HB2156 is a bill in the Washington Legislature (2025-26 Regular Session): AGO investigator authority.

What does HB2156 do?

In its own words: An act Relating to the authority of investigators of the attorney general's office; and adding a new section to chapter 43.10 RCW. NEW SECTION.

What is the status of HB2156?

Signed into law as of March 30, 2026. Latest action: Effective date 6/11/2026. (March 30, 2026).

Who sponsored HB2156?

Edwin Obras (D), with 11 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for HB2156?

On the Washington Legislature website: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2156&Year=2025