Radio Report: House Republicans call for immediate action by the Legislature on police vehicular pursuit initiative

January 15, 2024

House Republican lawmakers are calling for immediate action by the Legislature on an initiative that would restore vehicular pursuit options for law enforcement officers. Nic Scott reports from Olympia.

SCOTT: Initiative 2113 was certified by the Secretary of State last week. House Republican Leader Drew Stokesbary made a motion on the House floor Monday to instruct the House Community Safety, Justice, and Reentry Committee to promptly hold a public hearing on the initiative.

STOKESBARY: “We have a moral responsibility to the 420,000 Washingtonians who signed the initiative to give them a voice and an opportunity to explain to the committee why they signed that initiative and allow the Legislature to consider the measure. More importantly, Mr. Speaker, we have a constitutional responsibility. Article 2, Section 1 A of the state constitution, has the phrase that initiatives to the Legislature shall take precedence over all other measures before the Legislature other than budget bills. So, Mr. Speaker, this is a fantastic opportunity to ensure compliance with the constitution by elevating the importance of this initiative.”

SCOTT: After a short debate, House Democrats voted unanimously to reject the House Republican motion. Initiative 2113 has been referred to the House Community Safety, Justice, and Reentry Committee for further consideration.

Nic Scott, the state Capitol.