House passes bill giving attorney general limited authority to serve electronic search warrants on businesses

The Washington State House on the floor voted to pass House Bill 2156, a measure that authorizes the attorney general’s office to establish investigators with limited authority to serve electronic search warrants on businesses in cases involving economic and financial crimes, including organized retail theft.

Supporters said the bill fills an enforcement gap for investigations that cross state lines or involve out-of-state and online businesses. "This is about an electronic service of a search warrant to a business, so that we can get the records necessary to chase down those ... criminal organizations," Representative Goodman said while presenting the striking amendment that rewrote the bill.

The bill’s supporters and several adopted amendments narrowed and clarified the new authority. Representative Abel’s amendment defined "economic and financial crimes" to include matters investigated by the departments of labor and industries and revenue. Representative Griffey and others secured parity on decertification rules so AGO investigators would face similar professional accountability as other officers in certain misconduct cases. Representative Walsh successfully added clarifying language about constitutional protections, invoking the Fourth Amendment to underline expectations for search procedures.

Opponents raised concerns about centralizing investigatory powers in a statewide elected official’s office and the potential to intrude on local discretion. Representative Graham urged caution and emphasized the need to "fix the problem with hiring law enforcement to do law enforcement jobs," warning that expanding authority could encroach on local jurisdictions.

House debate produced multiple recorded amendment votes. The striking amendment (17-96) as amended was adopted on a roll call reported by the clerk as 52 yays, 39 nays, 1 excused. On final passage the clerk reported 54 yays, 43 nays, 1 excused and the bill was declared passed.

Key points and limits recorded on the floor: investigators will serve only electronically (not physically) and only upon businesses as drafted in amendments; warrants must be judicially approved; investigators will not make arrests, detain people, or carry firearms, according to floor sponsors. Supporters framed the bill as a targeted tool against organized retail crime and economic fraud; critics said the measure risks mission creep and lacks sufficient local oversight.

The House advanced the engrossed bill to third reading and final passage after floor votes. The measure now proceeds to the next step in the legislative process.