Protecting emergency responders and emergency response operations in Washington (HB 2351)
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Washington
2026
Makes it a crime to obstruct any emergency responder, not just police. Lets the governor and local leaders set temporary emergency operation zones during disasters. In these zones, officers must show ID, coordinate with incident command, get warrants, and avoid disrupting response. Cities, counties, and command teams can’t target responders based on race or immigration status and must limit data use. Agencies must update policies by 2028.
Vote Yes on this bill if you want stronger protections for responders, temporary emergency operation zones with clear rules for officers, limits on discriminatory targeting based on immigration or ethnicity, and updated city and county policies to keep disaster responses safe and coordinated.
Organizations that support this bill may include firefighter unions, EMT and paramedic associations, emergency management and public safety groups, immigrant rights and civil rights organizations, and local government associations seeking clearer disaster coordination.
Supported By
Vote No on this bill if you want to avoid expanding the obstruction crime, prevent new identification, disclosure, and warrant requirements for officers in disaster zones, keep broader cooperation with federal enforcement, and limit new policy and reporting mandates on local agencies.
Organizations that oppose this bill may include some law enforcement and prosecutors’ associations, federal immigration enforcement stakeholders, and press freedom or civil liberties groups concerned about broader obstruction laws or restricted access near emergency scenes.
