Washington tribal policing bill being debated

Thursday, March 6, 2008  

A bill to grant tribal police officers the authority to enforce state criminal and traffic laws is under consideration in Washington.

Supporters say the bill will improve law enforcement in rural areas of Indian Country. It will also help law and order on reservations that are seeing more non-Indian visitors, they say.

Opponents are worried about one big issue: sovereignty. They say tribal police won't be held accountable for the actions against non-Indians.

The bill doesn't grant tribal court jurisdiction over non-Indians. It requires tribes to waive their sovereign immunity in cases involving their officers.

The Washington House passed the bill last month. It is still being considered in the Senate.

Get the Story:
Tribal police powers bill mired in decades of distrust (The Yakima Herald-Republic 3/6)

Get the Bill:
HB 2476 | SB 6524

Relevant Links:
Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs - http://www.waspc.org

Related Stories:
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)