Judge Permanently Blocks Washington Sheriff Standards Law
The ruling leaves the law’s removal and certification provisions on hold after sheriffs said it could force elected officials from office.
- On Friday, Thurston County Superior Court Judge Christine Schaller permanently blocked key provisions of Senate Bill 5974, striking down new eligibility requirements for sheriff candidates that critics argued infringed on constitutional rights and voter choice.
- Governor Ferguson signed the Democrat-sponsored legislation earlier this year to mandate that sheriffs meet standards comparable to police chiefs, prompting lawsuits from sheriffs across Washington who viewed the measure as state overreach.
- Schaller ruled the law's restrictions on speech and association were unconstitutionally vague, specifically noting the term "extremist" lacked a "settled meaning," while striking down the requirement for Washington State Patrol background checks on candidates.
- Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank called the ruling a victory for free speech, while the Washington State Attorney General's Office stated, "We respectfully disagree with the judge's decision. We intend to appeal."
- Formal court orders outlining the ruling are expected later this month, as the state prepares to defend the law against constitutional challenges following the permanent block on the contested eligibility measures.
14 Articles
14 Articles
The Seattle Times
Judge blocks key parts of WA sheriff standards law
A Thurston County judge had temporarily blocked the law in the spring. On Friday, she ruled it unconstitutional.
Unconstitutional: Judge permanently blocks Washington state sheriff standards law
A judge on Friday threw out tough new job standards for county sheriffs approved by Washington lawmakers this year that critics argued would force some out of office. The decision from Thurston County Superior Court Judge Christine Schaller permanently blocks the most controversial pieces of the Democrat-sponsored policy, pending an appeal by the state. A formal court order outlining the ruling is expected later this month. The law’s supporters …
Unconstitutional: Judge permanently blocks Washington state sheriff standards law - The Daily Chronicle
A judge on Friday threw out tough new job standards for county sheriffs approved by Washington lawmakers this year that critics argued would force some out of office. The decision from Thurston County Superior Court Judge Christine Schaller permanently blocks the most controversial pieces of the Democrat-sponsored policy, pending an appeal by the state. A formal court order outlining the ruling is expected later this month. The law’s supporters …
Everett Post
Judge strikes down key provisions of Washington sheriff law
(The Center Square) - A Thurston County Superior Court judge ruled Friday that several provisions of Washington's new law governing elected sheriffs are unconstitutional, including requirements for who can run for sheriff and provisions regulating sheriffs' speech and associations. Judge Christine Schaller issued the ruling [...]
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 50% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
