03/11/2026 – The Washington State Sheriffs’ Association (WSSA) submitted a Senate Bill 5974 veto request to Governor Ferguson yesterday. The veto request addresses particular sections of the bill, including Sections 9, 11, 12, and 13. These sections address the decertification process and potential appointment of Sheriff, thus requesting removal of the restrictions that would prohibit voters from having their own voice in local elections. WSSA wrote, “Our request is narrowly focused on preserving voter rights and constitutional norms.”
“The Washington State Sheriffs’ Association has worked tirelessly to overcome this unconstitutional, overreaching bill. We have operated as a unified front to ensure our constituents choose their elected Sheriff; not the state. I truly hope Governor Ferguson miraculously recognizes the faults in this bill and remembers his oath of office, as well as its meaning, when he reviews our request,” states Sheriff Summer Scheyer.
At the time of this release, no defined timeline has been provided to WSSA for the review of the veto request. The Skamania County Sheriff’s Office will continue to release information as it develops.