Summary 

King County Executive Girmay Zahilay released the following statement after Governor Bob Ferguson signed Engrossed Senate Bill 5068, aligning employment eligibility standards for corrections officers with federal work authorization requirements to address staffing shortages. 

Statement 

“King County, like many other jurisdictions in Washington state and around our country, is facing a shortage of corrections officers that endangers the health and safety of jail staff and people in custody. This legislation addresses a shortfall in our state’s employment eligibility standards and expands job opportunities for noncitizens while still preserving the rigorous hiring, certification, and training requirements for these critical positions. 

“Immigrant residents who are federally authorized to work should have the opportunity to find employment and build a life with dignity in King County, including pursuing careers in public service. This bill helps create a more diversified pool of candidates and opens the door for more people who may be considering careers in law enforcement, helping address the underlying staffing crisis. 

“We are grateful to Sen. Lovick and our state partners who helped get this legislation over the finish line and for the hard-working corrections officers who are committed to the safety and security of those in custody.” 

Background 

In October 2025, King County's Department of Adult and Juvenile Detention (DAJD) discovered that 38 corrections officers, who were hired in good faith and are legally authorized to work in the United States, could not serve as law enforcement officers under the state's immigration status requirement. 

If those officers were removed from service despite being federally authorized to work, King County detention facilities would face a nearly 20% staffing vacancy rate creating significant public safety concerns, mandatory overtime for remaining staff, and delays in court and medical transports.