Non-Citizen Police Officers? Washington State's New Way?
Washington State Senate Bill 5068 proposes allowing non-citizens to become police officers and prosecuting attorneys. While the bill passed the Senate unanimously, significant federal and state firearm laws (RCW 9.41.171 and 18 U.S. Code § 922) prohibit non-citizens on non-immigrant visas or without lawful permanent resident status from possessing firearms, even for duty purposes. Exceptions are extremely limited, primarily for hunting or sporting.











