Washington tribal policing bill awaits signature

Tuesday, March 18, 2008  

A bill to authorize tribal police officers to enforce state criminal and traffic laws is awaiting the signature of Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire (D).

The bill requires tribes and local governments to develop formal agreements. Tribal officers must be state certified and tribes have to obtain liability insurance and waive their sovereign immunity for actions of their officers.

Those concessions eased concerns by some law enforcement groups. The bill easily passed the state House and Senate.

Non-Indians who are arrested by tribal officers will not be subject to tribal court jurisdiction. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled that tribes lack authority over non-Indians except by statute or treaty.

Get the Story:
Tribal police hopeful for increased authority (The Tacoma News Tribune 3/18)

Get the Bill:
HB 2476 | SB 6524

Related Stories:
Washington Legislature passes tribal policing bill (3/11)
Washington tribal policing bill being debated (3/6)
Washington House passes tribal policing bill (2/19)
Editorial: Expand tribal police authority in Washington (2/11)
Washington bill expands tribal police authority (1/31)