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Sheriff's Statement on Senate Bill 5974

Citizens of Chelan County,

As the 19th elected Sheriff of Chelan County, I swore an oath to uphold the United States Constitution and the Washington State Constitution. That oath has guided my more than 20 years of service. My first responsibility is to the people of Chelan County who elected me. This is not about politics or personal opinion it is about following the law, protecting the Constitution, and respecting the voice of the voters.

The sheriff’s office is unique because it answers directly to the people in each county. When citizens vote for their sheriff, they are choosing someone they trust to lead law enforcement and serve the needs of their community. That trust and accountability are at the heart of local government.

Senate Bill 5974 has passed the Washington State Senate and Legislature and now goes to the Governor’s desk. While it is presented as a way to improve law enforcement leadership standards, it raises serious concerns. In 2020, the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs and the Washington State Sheriffs’ Association proposed professional standards for law enforcement leaders but that request was rejected. Many see this new bill as an attempt to limit opposing voices, restrict voter choice and take power away from locally elected officials by centralizing government.

The bill also creates a constitutional problem. It requires sheriffs to follow the U.S. and Washington State Constitutions, yet some parts conflict with the very rights the bill is meant to protect. The Washington Constitution says authority comes from the people, elections must be free and fair, and the sheriff is a constitutional office at the county level. Allowing state agencies to decide who can serve or removing sheriffs over certification issues could take power away from voters. Critics also point out that if sheriffs must follow the Constitution, the Legislature must make sure the law itself follows the Constitution. These issues will most likely lead to legal challenges.

Here in Chelan County, our Board of County Commissioners and County Prosecutor share these concerns. Across Washington, county commissioners and prosecutors are joining sheriffs in speaking out against the bill. This shows that the concern is about protecting local authority and the voice of the people.

I support accountability, transparency, and strong professional standards, values the people of this county expect and deserve. However, any changes to a constitutional office must respect the law and the voters’ authority. Along with my fellow sheriffs, I will respectfully ask the Governor to review Senate Bill 5974 and veto the parts that raise legal or constitutional concerns. This approach allows us to work together to strengthen standards while protecting the role of elected sheriffs and the rights of the voters.

Respectfully,
Mike Morrison
Chelan County Sheriff

Last Updated: 03/17/2026 10:45 AM

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