Washington State Sheriff Standards Law Partially Blocked by Court
OLYMPIA, WA – A Thurston County Superior Court judge on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, issued a preliminary ruling partially blocking Washington state’s new law establishing stricter eligibility standards for county sheriffs. The decision came in response to a lawsuit filed by four eastern Washington sheriffs challenging the constitutionality of Senate Bill 5974.
Sheriffs’ Concerns and the Lawsuit
The four sheriffs – John Nowels of Spokane County, Glenn Blakeslee of Pend Oreille County, Brad Manke of Stevens County and Ray Maycumber of Ferry County – argue that the law undermines the will of voters by creating a pathway to remove elected sheriffs from office if they do not meet the new state-mandated requirements. They contend the law is “blatantly, flagrantly unconstitutional” and infringes upon the fundamental right to run for and vote for elected officials.
Senate Bill 5974 aimed to establish equal standards for county sheriffs and police chiefs, who are typically appointed. The law requires sheriffs to meet specific qualifications and maintain state certification to remain in office. Failure to comply could lead to removal from their position.
Judge’s Ruling and Reasoning
Judge Christine Schaller found that the Legislature “may have exceeded its constitutional authority” in enacting the law. She stated that the law appears to demonstrate a lack of trust in the judgment of Washington state voters when electing sheriffs. The judge delivered her ruling over a 40-minute period, emphasizing the importance of the right to run for and vote for elected office.
The ruling specifically blocks the portions of the law related to sheriffs, preventing their removal from office based on non-compliance with the new standards.
State’s Response and Next Steps
The state plans to appeal the judge’s ruling. The case was initially heard in Lincoln County Superior Court, but Judge Adam Walser moved it to Thurston County to avoid potentially conflicting rulings from different judges. A similar challenge filed by the Washington State Sheriffs Association is already being heard in Thurston County.
Background
The legal challenge began when an eastern Washington judge declined to rule on the law’s future, agreeing with the state attorney general’s office that the case should be heard in Thurston County. The sheriffs had initially requested an emergency injunction to halt the law’s implementation, which was scheduled to take effect at the end of April 2026, but that request was denied.
Key Takeaways
- A Thurston County Superior Court judge has partially blocked Washington state’s new law setting stricter standards for sheriffs.
- Four eastern Washington sheriffs filed a lawsuit arguing the law is unconstitutional and undermines voter will.
- The state plans to appeal the ruling.
- The case has been moved to Thurston County to ensure consistent legal interpretation.