WNPA Olympia News Bureau

Washington Governor Jay Inslee signed the first bill of the 2019 legislative session at a ceremony in the State Reception Room on Monday, Feb. 4.

Substitute House Bill 1064, adds training requirements for law enforcement officers to de-escalate situations, more training in the areas of mental health and first aid to avoid the use of deadly force. The law contains an emergency clause and takes effect immediately.

“This bill which passed unanimously in both chambers doesn’t fix everything,” Gov. Inslee said. “Far from it. But it is a start and it is a message that when people listen to each other and open their hearts to each other, justice can move forward.”