SB5538 amends criminal trespass laws to allow peace officers to remove unauthorized persons from residential property.

SB5538 modifies Washington's criminal trespass laws to allow peace officers to remove unauthorized persons from residential property. The bill requires a declaration from the property owner, signed under penalty of perjury, stating that the person is unauthorized to be on the premises. The peace officer must give the person a chance to present evidence showing they are authorized. If the person presents false documents, they may face additional charges. The declarant may be held liable for damages if they falsely claim someone is unauthorized.

SB5538 amends criminal trespass laws to allow peace officers to remove unauthorized persons from residential property.

SB5538 modifies Washington's criminal trespass laws to allow peace officers to remove unauthorized persons from residential property. The bill requires a declaration from the property owner, signed under penalty of perjury, stating that the person is unauthorized to be on the premises. The peace officer must give the person a chance to present evidence showing they are authorized. If the person presents false documents, they may face additional charges. The declarant may be held liable for damages if they falsely claim someone is unauthorized.