Public Safety Funding Program ESHB 2015
Engrossed Substitute House Bill (ESHB) 2015 is a statewide public safety funding law that establishes two new funding sources, a new 0.1% sales and use tax option and a $100 million grant program available only to local and tribal law enforcement agencies.
The sales and use tax must be used for criminal justice purposes, while the grant can be used for supporting hiring, training, and retaining officers, as well as community-based criminal justice programs in partnership with law enforcement agencies.
Whether a jurisdiction adopts the sales and use tax, applies for the grant, or does both, the eligibility criteria are the same. Jurisdictions that want to impose the 0.1% sales and use tax must meet the grant criteria.
To qualify for funding, law enforcement agencies must meet specific policy, training, and data reporting standards outlined in RCW 43.101.540 (ESHB 2015)
Grant Program
The RCW 43.101.540 (ESHB 2015) grant program provides state funding to local and tribal law enforcement agencies to support officer hiring, retention, and training, as well as broader law enforcement and public safety efforts. Administered by the Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission, the grant requirements are tied to policy, training, and accountability standards.