An effort to end low-level traffic stops in Washington state

A group of advocates and families who've lost loved ones to police violence want to end traffic stops for things like expired tabs and broken taillights.

Washington Coalition for Police Accountability recently announced its priorities for 2023, which include ending low-level traffic stops. The coalition argues that these types of safety stops, which in some cases end tragically, disproportionately affect communities of color and low-income drivers.

The Olympian newspaper reports that one bill proposed by Sen. Joe Nguyen of Seattle aims to cease low-level traffic stops. The bill also would create grant money for cities, tribes, and nonprofits. The grant funds would be slated for car repairs that could lead to these types of minor traffic stops.

The WPCA is also calling for an independent prosecutor to make charging decisions when it comes to police use of deadly force.

Another bill, proposed by Rep. My-Linh Thai of Bellevue, would remove qualified immunity for officers who violate a person's state civil rights.