Washington legislation · 2025-26 Regular Session
Washington HB2541: Peace officer use of force
Status: In committee, January 16, 2026
Concerning the standard used to evaluate the reasonableness of a peace officer's use of force.
What the bill says
An act Relating to the standard used to evaluate the reasonableness of a peace officer's use of force; reenacting and amending RCW 10.120.020; creating a new section; and declaring an emergency. NEW SECTION.
From the introduced text:
AN ACT Relating to the standard used to evaluate the reasonableness of a peace officer's use of force; reenacting and amending RCW 10.120.020; creating a new section; and declaring an emergency. NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. In 2021, the legislature passed Engrossed Second Substitute House Bill No. 1310 (chapter 324, Laws of 2021), with the intent of establishing a uniform statewide standard for use of force by peace officers. In 2022, the legislature passed Engrossed Substitute House Bill No. 2037 (chapter 80, Laws of 2022), with the intent of providing further clarification and guidance to police agencies and the public. However, since these provisions were enacted, the complexities and nuances of police practices and applicable laws, both in statute and common law, have posed implementation challenges for some police agencies and peace officers. Therefore, the legislature intends to provide clarification and guidance to police agencies and the public by codifying an objective reasonableness standard for evaluating the use of force by peace officers, based on the United States supreme court decision in Graham v. Connor, 490 U.S. 386 (1989). This standard reflects national best practices developed and supported by police leaders across the nation. Moreover, this standard strikes the appropriate balance between the safety and rights of the public and the peace officers who serve to protect us, and the right …
Sponsors
- David Hackney (D) · primary sponsor
Latest actions
- : First reading, referred to Community Safety.
Subjects: LAW ENFORCEMENT
Common questions
- What is HB2541?
- HB2541 is a bill in the Washington Legislature (2025-26 Regular Session): Peace officer use of force.
- What does HB2541 do?
- In its own words: An act Relating to the standard used to evaluate the reasonableness of a peace officer's use of force; reenacting and amending RCW 10.120.020; creating a new section; and declaring an emergency. NEW SECTION.
- What is the status of HB2541?
- In committee as of January 16, 2026. Latest action: First reading, referred to Community Safety. (January 16, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB2541?
- David Hackney (D).
- Where is the official record for HB2541?
- On the Washington Legislature website: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2541&Year=2025
Source: official Washington record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.