Former Sheriff, Rep. Brian Burnett, issues statement against Democrat bill to ban certain federal law enforcement officers from being hired in Washington state

Washington State Rep. Brian Burnett, R-Chelan, a former Chelan County Sheriff with over 25 years in law enforcement, issued a strong statement today against proposed Democrat legislation that would ban certain federal law enforcement officers from being hired in Washington state.

This discriminatory legislation is the wrong direction for the safety of Washington state families and communities, said Burnett, who issued this statement:

“HB 2641 is a discriminatory proposal that moves Washington in the wrong direction at a time when public safety and recruitment are already under strain. Washington ranks last in the nation for law enforcement officers per capita, yet this bill would arbitrarily shrink an already limited recruiting pool by barring qualified professionals based solely on prior federal service. That approach does nothing to improve accountability or trust.

“In reality, the natural career path in law enforcement almost always runs from local agencies to federal service, not the other way around. Former federal officers seeking to return to local policing bring experience, training, and a commitment to lawful service that should be evaluated on individual merit, not political litmus tests.

“We should be focused on strengthening collaboration, supporting officers who carry out their legal duties, and rebuilding our law enforcement workforce, not advancing policies that weaken it further.”

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Washington State House Republican Communications
houserepublicans.wa.gov