OLYMPIA, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Law enforcement in Washington will have more flexibility to pursue suspects starting on Thursday, June 6.

Initiative 2113 will allow police pursuits if an officer has reasonable suspicion that a person “poses a threat to the safety of others.” That’s a reduced standard from the current law, passed in 2021, that only allows pursuits of those suspected of violent or sexual offenses, assaults, an escape or DUI.

Critics of the newly loosened pursuit law argue that police chases can put civilians in danger. Supporters say it’s needed to crack down on property crime and car thefts.

The initiative was approved by state lawmakers in April 2024 after it gathered more than 400,000 signatures.