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Bill

Bill

HB 1816

Concerning civilian-staffed crisis response teams.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Lauren Davis and 12 co-sponsors

Establishes statewide standards for civilian crisis response teams to handle non-emergency calls, expanding alternative-to-police models across Washington communities.

Returned to Rules Committee for second reading.
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Bill Summary · HB 1816

Legislative bill overview

HB 1816 establishes requirements for civilian-staffed crisis response teams in Washington, likely creating standards for non-police emergency response programs that handle mental health crises, homelessness, and low-risk incidents. The bill appears to formalize and regulate alternative response models that many Washington cities have begun piloting in recent years.

Why is this important

As communities across Washington expand non-police crisis response programs (such as CAHOOTS-style models), this legislation would create statewide consistency in training, oversight, and operational standards. This affects how cities allocate emergency resources and the types of calls police officers respond to versus civilian teams.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope and authority: Disagreement over what types of calls civilian teams can handle and whether they need police backup protocols
  • Funding and implementation: Questions about who pays for these programs and whether cities face unfunded mandates to establish them
  • Training and liability standards: Disputes over qualification requirements, insurance, and legal responsibility when civilian teams handle crisis situations

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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