A Washington state law designed to increase local law enforcement funding has begun directing money to agencies, but its impact on officer numbers remains uncertain.
HB 2015, which took effect in July 2025, created a $100 million public safety grant program administered by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC). The law also authorized cities and counties to impose a 0.1% local sales tax for public safety without voter approval. Both funding options require agencies to meet eligibility requirements that include additional training, policy changes, data collection and reporting.
CJTC’s first grant round awarded $46.6 million to 19 agencies, supporting 74 officer positions. However, some funding is being used for purposes beyond hiring. Auburn received nearly $3.9 million but reported no officers funded through the program. Renton and Colfax also received funding without reporting officer positions. CJTC said eligible uses include co-responder programs, retention efforts, equipment, training, officer wellness and other public safety activities.
The King County Sheriff’s Office received $15 million and funded three officer positions. CJTC said most of the county’s award is supporting co-responder programs, behavioral health crisis response and community-based gun violence prevention efforts.
Local implementation varies. Centralia recently became the first agency in Lewis County to approve the new public safety tax, with officials saying the revenue will support police and public defender services. Police Chief Andy Caldwell said smaller agencies may face challenges meeting application and compliance requirements.
Thurston County has approved the tax to support its sheriff’s office but does not plan to pursue the state grant because it cannot afford the required 25% local match. Statewide, 61 jurisdictions have sought approval for the tax, while 34 have applied for grant funding. Officials say the law’s effect on staffing may take several years to assess.
