WA Supreme Court rejects state's attempt to unblock sheriff eligibility law

A Washington Supreme Court commissioner on Tuesday declined to pause a judge’s ruling that blocked a new law setting stricter qualifications for sheriffs.

Deputy Commissioner Walter Burton agreed with sheriffs challenging the law that the status quo from past years should remain while litigation continues, even as candidates for sheriff file to run for election this week.

“Denying a stay essentially means that the system that has long been in place will continue for the time being,” Burton added. “Petitioners do not show that immediate harm is likely to result from at least temporarily maintaining this status quo.”

Last week, in response to a lawsuit from four eastern Washington sheriffs, a Thurston County judge blocked parts of the law from taking effect.

https://washingtonstatestandard.com/2026/05/05/wa-supreme-court-rejects-states-attempt-to-unblock-sheriff-eligibility-law/