Four Washington Sheriffs File Lawsuit Challenging New State Oversight Law

Four Eastern Washington sheriffs have filed a lawsuit in Pend Oreille County Superior Court challenging a recently enacted state law that grants an appointed oversight board authority to remove elected sheriffs from office. The suit, filed on April 3, 2026, names Spokane County Sheriff John Nowels, Pend Oreille County Sheriff Glenn Blakeslee, Stevens County Sheriff Brad Manke, and Ferry County Sheriff Ray Maycumber as plaintiffs.

The legislation in question, Senate Bill 5974, was passed by the Washington State Legislature and signed into law by Governor Bob Ferguson in February 2026. The bill establishes new qualification requirements for county sheriffs, including a mandate for five years of full-time law enforcement experience, a minimum age of 25, and prohibitions against individuals with felony or gross misdemeanor convictions or prior conduct that would lead to decertification by the Criminal Justice Training Commission.

The sheriffs argue that the law unconstitutionally centralizes power by allowing a governor-appointed board to override the results of local elections. In a joint statement, they asserted that the measure “undermines the will of voters” and violates constitutional protections that reserve political authority to the people. The lawsuit seeks a preliminary injunction to prevent the state from enforcing the law while the case proceeds.

During a hearing on April 16, 2026, Lincoln County Superior Court Judge Adam Walser considered arguments on the lawsuit before it was transferred to Thurston County Superior Court. The transfer followed a determination that challenges to state legislation should be heard in the county where the state capitol is located, given the law’s statewide implications.

The Washington State Sheriffs’ Association and a candidate for Kitsap County sheriff filed a separate but similar lawsuit in Thurston County Superior Court the previous week. Both legal actions aim to block enforcement of Senate Bill 5974, which supporters say is intended to modernize standards and increase accountability for law enforcement leaders across the state.

As of the hearing date, no ruling had been issued on the plaintiffs’ request for an injunction. The case remains pending in Thurston County Superior Court, where further proceedings are expected to address the constitutional questions raised by the sheriffs regarding voter authority, local control, and the balance of power between elected officials and state-appointed oversight bodies.