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SB 5356

Concerning training provided by the criminal justice training commission.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Bob Hasegawa and 3 co-sponsors

CJTC must provide two trauma‑informed, victim‑centered curricula (patrol-focused and gender‑based violence) for peace officers, including Title IX investigators, with regular compl

Effective date 7/1/2026.
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Bill Summary · SB 5356

SB 5356 — Summary (2025)

Title: Concerning training provided by the Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC)
Chapter: 125, 2025 Laws — Governor signed April 22, 2025. Effective date: July 1, 2026.

Purpose / Intent

SB 5356 clarifies and expands statutory requirements for trauma‑informed, victim‑centered training developed and delivered by the Criminal Justice Training Commission (CJTC). The bill re‑establishes two distinct curricula for peace officers (patrol-focused and broader gender‑based violence response), strengthens integrated training for investigators and prosecutors of sexual assault, and explicitly extends certain CJTC trainings to Title IX investigators who handle prohibited conduct at institutions of higher education.

Key provisions and changes

  • Requires CJTC to develop two distinct curricula:
    • A patrol‑focused curriculum on a victim‑centered, trauma‑informed approach to interacting with victims and responding to calls involving sexual violence.
    • A broader curriculum on a victim‑centered, trauma‑informed approach to interacting with victims and responding to calls involving gender‑based violence.
  • Training completion timelines:
    • All peace officers must complete the gender‑based violence curriculum at least once every three years.
    • Peace officers working on patrol must complete the sexual‑violence patrol curriculum within one year of patrol assignment and at least once every three years thereafter.
    • Officers assigned to regularly investigate sexual assault/gender‑based violence and their highest ranking supervisors must complete specialized investigator training within one year of assignment.
  • Expands integrated CJTC training on investigating/prosecuting sexual assault to explicitly include:
    • Title IX investigators who investigate prohibited conduct at higher education institutions.
    • Prosecutors handling cases with minor victims (in addition to adult victims).
    • A reference that courts may allow children under 18 (rather than only under 14) to testify outside the presence of defendant and jury per RCW 9A.44.150.
  • Consultation and content requirements:
    • CJTC must seek advice from stakeholders: Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys (WAPA), Washington Defender Association (WDA), Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs (WASPC), Washington Coalition of Sexual Assault Programs (WCSAP), and the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) where noted.
    • Training must include neurobiology of trauma, trauma‑informed interviewing/counseling/investigative techniques, practices to reduce retraumatizing interviews, documentation/record retention, and best practices for notifying victims about forensic results.
  • Training delivery and access:
    • Integrated prosecutor training to be offered at least once per calendar year, qualify for some CLE, and be made broadly accessible (regional or other accessible means).
    • The integrated sexual assault training is to be self‑supporting via participant fees.
  • No new appropriations; fiscal note available.

Who is affected

  • Peace officers statewide (patrol officers and all officers).
  • Investigators and supervisors who regularly handle sexual assault and gender‑based violence cases.
  • Prosecutors handling sexual assault cases (including those involving minors).
  • Title IX investigators at institutions of higher education.
  • Victims/survivors — likely indirect impacts through standardized, trauma‑informed responses.

Legislative / procedural status

  • Introduced: Jan 20, 2025. Passed Senate and House unanimously (Senate 49–0; House 95–0). Delivered to Governor April 17, 2025; signed April 22, 2025. Chapter 125. Effective July 1, 2026.

Notes / context

  • House testimony indicated the patrol training already existed at CJTC but had been inadvertently removed from statute; this bill reinstates and clarifies statutory language and adds the new explicit inclusion of Title IX investigators. The bill contains stakeholder consultation requirements and emphasizes evidence‑based, trauma‑informed practices.

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

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