Statement issued by Reps. Hunter Abell and Andrew Engell on bill to allow unelected bureaucrats to remove a duly elected sheriff from office
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Statement issued by Reps. Hunter Abell and Andrew Engell on bill to allow unelected bureaucrats to remove a duly elected sheriff from office
Democrats in the state House of Representatives recently passed legislation that would give the state broad oversight of locally elected county sheriffs. Senate Bill 5974 passed the House and Senate with no Republican support.
7th Legislative District Republican Reps. Hunter Abell from Inchelium and Andrew Engell from Colville issued the following statements:
Rep. Hunter Abell
“Senate Bill 5974 is likely unconstitutional, certainly unnecessary, and destructive of public trust and confidence. It creates a radically new process to allow an unaccountable bureaucracy to remove a duly-elected county Sheriff. It is a solution in search of a problem in that there is nothing wrong with the current system that can’t be solved by the voters. Finally, it undermines the public’s trust and confidence that, when they vote for a candidate of their choice, that candidate will actually be allowed to serve in the position to which they were elected.
“Support Your Local Sheriff” is not just a great movie from 1969. It’s a mantra we should all have today in 2026 as we address multiple threats to the independence and viability of our county Sheriffs. Unfortunately, Senate Bill 5974 is a major step in the wrong direction. I was proud to vote against it.”
Rep. Andrew Engell
“County sheriffs hold a unique position because they answer directly to the voters who elect them. Senate Bill 5974 moves us in the wrong direction by allowing an unelected state board appointed by the governor to effectively remove a sheriff chosen by the people of a county. If a sheriff, or any other elected official is caught violating the law they can already be held accountable in court and be removed from office if warranted, and the people also possess the right to recall any elected official who has betrayed the public trust. This accountability is crucial and works, we don’t need the state to step in and bypass the due process system and override the voice of people.
“Accountability in law enforcement is important, but it should not come at the expense of local control and voter confidence. When people cast a vote for sheriff, they expect that decision to mean something. Creating a process where a state-level commission made up of members appointed by the governor can override the will of the voters raises serious concerns and risks undermining trust in both our elections and our institutions.”
