Improving public safety by implementing evidence-based interview practices that increase the reliability of statements collected during criminal investigations.

 H-0321.1

HOUSE BILL 1138

State of Washington

69th Legislature

2025 Regular Session

By Representatives Peterson, Macri, Obras, Ryu, Farivar, Doglio, Simmons, Street, Duerr, Nance, Berg, Ormsby, Lekanoff, and Hill

Prefiled 12/27/24. Read first time 01/13/25. Referred to Committee on Community Safety.

AN ACT Relating to improving public safety by implementing evidence-based interview practices that increase the reliability of statements collected during criminal investigations; adding a new section to chapter 43.101 RCW; and adding a new chapter to Title 10 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that law enforcement best protects the community when evidence-based investigative tools are utilized.

The legislature further finds that a large and growing body of scientific evidence has established that rapport-based, noncoercive interview methods are the most effective means for law enforcement to illicit true, accurate, and reliable information from suspects and witnesses during criminal investigations.