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Bill

SB 6274

Establishing a grant program to fund school resource officers on public school campuses.

2023-2024 Regular Session Introduced by Perry Dozier and 5 co-sponsors

Washington establishes a state grant program funding school resource officers on public school campuses, shifting school safety investment toward armed law enforcement presence.

First reading, referred to Early Learning & K-12 Education.
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Bill Summary · SB 6274

Legislative bill overview

SB 6274 would establish a state grant program to provide funding for school resource officers (SROs) on public school campuses in Washington. The bill creates a financial mechanism to support schools in hiring and maintaining armed law enforcement presence within their buildings. This represents a direct state investment in school safety through police staffing rather than other security measures.

Why is this important

School safety funding decisions affect millions of students and families, determining what security approaches schools prioritize. The allocation of state resources toward SROs versus alternative safety investments (mental health services, threat assessment programs, facility improvements) influences school environments and shapes how students experience campus policing. This also impacts school districts' budgets, as grants could either supplement or potentially replace local funding for these positions.

Potential points of contention

  • School safety approach: Disagreement over whether armed officers are the most effective school safety investment compared to counselors, threat assessment teams, or environmental safety upgrades
  • Racial disparities in discipline: Concerns that increased police presence correlates with disproportionate enforcement against students of color, potentially criminalizing student behavior
  • Scope and oversight: Questions about grant eligibility requirements, how districts use funds, accountability measures, and whether grants are mandatory or voluntary for schools

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

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