Whatcom County Sheriff Donnell “Tank” Tanksley is the 38th Sheriff of Whatcom County, Washington, with 30 years of law enforcement experience and has served in the office since January 2024. (WCSO)
WHATCOM COUNTY, Wash. — Whatcom County Sheriff Donnell “Tank” Tanksley joined a growing group of Washington sheriffs opposing a sweeping state bill they say would shift power away from voters.
If enacted, SB 5974 would require sheriffs to meet new eligibility standards and maintain state certification. If a sheriff loses certification or fails to meet those standards, state law would declare the office vacant.
In a statement Tuesday, Tanksley said the proposal would reduce voter control over the position.
“It has been stated that this bill intends to elevate standards and reflect best practices for law enforcement leaders,” Tanksley said. “However, criteria and standards for the office of the Sheriff and best practices are already in place.”
What the bill would do
The Washington State Senate passed the measure, and it now awaits consideration in the House. Lawmakers say the bill aims to standardize requirements for law enforcement leaders statewide.
For sheriffs, the proposal creates a defined eligibility framework. Requirements include a minimum age of 25, at least five years of uninterrupted full-time law enforcement experience, expanded background checks and peace officer certification within nine months of taking office.
The bill also ties holding office to maintaining certification. If a sheriff is decertified or no longer meets eligibility requirements, the position would become vacant under state law.
The proposal further limits the roles of volunteers, youth cadets and specially commissioned personnel. Those individuals could not make arrests, engage in pursuits or use force unless they hold certification.
Tanksley outlines concerns
Tanksley said the legislation could narrow the candidate pool and increase costs for counties, especially for background investigations.
“While framed as modernization, this bill would limit who can serve as sheriff, despite sheriffs being constitutionally elected officials accountable directly to voters,” he said.
He also warned that restrictions on volunteer and reserve programs could affect agencies that rely on them.
“This bill undermines local control, imposes restrictive qualifications on an elected office, restricts volunteer programs, and will burden county governments with an unnecessary cost,” Tanksley said.
Wider opposition
Tanksley’s position aligns with criticism from other sheriffs and Republican lawmakers who argue the bill shifts authority toward state oversight.
“SB 5974 (Sheriff Qualification Bill) has no physical fitness standards, no de-escalation standards, no crisis intervention standards, no shooting proficiency standards, and no advanced education requirements,” Pierce County Sheriff Keith Swank said. “This is not a standards bill. It’s a ‘pick our own sheriff’ bill.”
Sen. Paul Harris echoed those concerns in a statement shared by Senate Republicans.
“We need to make sure that the sheriff we elect is the sheriff who serves, not someone appointed by someone else.”
What comes next
Most provisions would take effect in 2026. Rules governing volunteers and cadet programs would roll out in 2027 to give local agencies time to update policies and ordinances.
The bill now heads to the Washington State House, where lawmakers will decide whether to advance, amend or reject it.
PNW Daily will update you as this bill makes its way through Olympia.
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