Friends – It’s been a while since my last update, so I want to share with you what’s in store for next session as well as some legislation I am working on this year.

2021 Session Update

Legislative leaders and administrators are preparing for a 2021 legislative session that will be mostly virtual. While no final decisions have been made, this means that the next session will likely operate in a way that is new to us all. The good news is that our members and staff have been preparing for this possibility since early spring. We’ve had a lot of time to plan and prepare for this new way of doing business.

To help stop the spread of COVID-19, I am taking my constituent meetings over the phone and using video conferencing tools as opposed to the traditional in-person format.

I am holding and scheduling virtual meetings now so do feel free to reach out and request a meeting if you would like one.

Police Reform

One of my top priorities for next session will be police accountability and reform. I previously sent email updates on this topic and I had an op-ed published in the Seattle Times a few months ago.

You may also be receiving a mailer from me as well that discusses some of my ideas around reform. If you don’t receive the mailer, you can read it here.

I believe most police officers serve honorably and do a good job for us. However, the internal disciplinary system has worked to protect officers that have done wrong by community standards and this needs to change.

Some of the ideas for legislation I’ve been working on this year include:

  • Revoking the licenses of officers who are fired for abusive use of force
  • Stopping the revolving door that allows fired officers to be reinstated through the police union appeal process
  • Making public all misconduct records so that officers can’t just resign and then go to work for another police department

Other possible reforms on the table for discussion to reduce police brutality include:

  • Banning chokeholds
  • Banning local law enforcement agencies from obtaining surplus military equipment
  • Statewide bodycam requirements
  • Strengthening de-escalation and anti-bias training

Law enforcement provides critical services to keep our communities safe. But the countless stories from people of color – and Black men specifically – along with substantial data on this issue lead me to believe significant reforms of law enforcement policies and practices are clearly needed.

It’s time for change.

These are some of the ideas I have, but I’d also like to hear from you on this topic. Have you had an experience with law enforcement that could help shape this public policy debate? If so, please email your stories and ideas to jesse.salomon@leg.wa.gov.

Contact Me

As always, please contact me with your thoughts and ideas about public policy. Also reach out if you have any questions or need assistance during this public health crisis.

Please continue to wear your mask and stay socially distant from others.

Jesse Salomon
State Senator
32nd Legislative District