WR CEO, Renée Sunde, and WR Senior VP of Policy and Government Affairs, Mark Johnson, with Governor Ferguson at the signing of HB 2015.
On Monday, Governor Bob Ferguson signed HB 2015 into law, delivering on his promise to make public safety funding a top priority. Renée Sunde, President/CEO of Washington Retail (WR), and Mark Johnson, SVP of Policy and Government Affairs, were present for the bill signing. WR was a strong supporter of the legislation.
The bill began as SB 5060, sponsored by Senator Jeff Holy (R-6), with the goal of providing law enforcement hiring grants. As it progressed through the legislative process, it was reintroduced as HB 2015 by Representative Debra Entenman (D-47), and its scope was significantly expanded. The final version authorizes grants not only for hiring law enforcement officers but also for prosecutors, public defenders, community resource officers, and specialists in mental health and substance use treatment. Additionally, it allows cities and counties to adopt a local sales tax to sustain long-term public safety funding.
Retailers and communities across Washington have been deeply affected by retail theft and organized retail crime in recent years. Ensuring the safety of retail employees and customers remains a top priority for WR. HB 2015 and its $100 million grant program represent a historic step forward in addressing these challenges.
WR extends its sincere thanks to Governor Ferguson, Representative Entenman, and Senators Dhingra and Holy for their leadership and commitment to this critical issue.
