The updates clarify operational coordination between DES and Washington State Patrol (WSP) and provide an administrative, non-criminal process to address violations of campus use rules.

The updates take effect June 6.

Consistent with our long-standing practice to use the lowest level enforcement action, the rule updates provide an administrative, non-criminal process to address violations of requirements governing use of the Capitol Campus that can be used instead of a criminal charge.

DES and WSP use overall public safety as a guide in seeking compliance with rules and laws. Our general approach is to start with engagement to avoid any enforcement action. We then seek voluntary compliance, whenever possible, before enforcement action.

Protecting the right to peaceably assemble and conduct free speech activities on the Capitol Campus is a top priority for DES and WSP. The updates do not impose any new restrictions on free speech or increase WSP’s enforcement authority.

DES sought public comment on the proposed updates between mid-August and the end of September. Most comments DES received were outside of the limited scope of this rulemaking effort, including comments on portions of the campus use rules where no changes were proposed.