Washington 2025-2026 Regular Session

Washington Senate Bill SB5163

Introduced
1/13/25  
Refer
1/13/25  
Report Pass
1/29/25  
Refer
1/30/25  
Report Pass
2/27/25  
Engrossed
3/12/25  
Refer
3/14/25  
Report Pass
3/28/25  
Refer
4/1/25  
Report Pass
4/7/25  
Refer
4/8/25  
Enrolled
4/17/25  
Chaptered
4/22/25  

Caption

Modernizing the child fatality statute.

Impact

If passed, SB5163 would directly affect how child fatalities are reported, investigated, and addressed by state agencies and local authorities. The implications of the bill would likely encourage a unified approach to handling these sensitive cases, facilitating better cooperation among agencies involved in child welfare. With improvements in the statutory requirements, stakeholders expect to see more effective tracking and prevention measures that could ultimately lead to enhanced protection of vulnerable children.

Summary

SB5163 aims to modernize the existing child fatality statute in the state. This legislative effort reflects a commitment to enhance the processes and guidelines surrounding child fatality investigations, ensuring that they effectively address the needs of children and families while preventing future tragedies. The modernization proposed by the bill seeks to align existing statutes with contemporary best practices in child welfare and safety, making necessary updates that could lead to more robust responses to child fatalities.

Contention

Key points of contention surrounding SB5163 may involve differing opinions on the effectiveness of the proposed changes to the child fatality statute. Advocates for modernization argue that current laws are outdated and insufficient in addressing the complexities of child safety cases in today's society. On the other hand, critics may voice concerns about the enforcement of the new provisions, questioning whether they adequately empower local agencies and stakeholders without overburdening them with additional regulations.

Companion Bills

WA HB1459

Crossfiled Modernizing the child fatality statute.

Previously Filed As

WA SB6110

Modernizing the child fatality statute.

WA HB1357

Modernizing the prior authorization process.

WA SB5700

Modernizing state health care authority related laws.

WA SB5168

Modernizing the energy independence act to avoid regulatory duplication and overlap with other laws.

WA HB1361

Updating statutes related to state employment by removing obsolete language, eliminating unnecessary reports, conforming a reporting period to fiscal year, and modernizing employee pay procedures.

WA HB1618

Concerning the statute of limitations for childhood sexual abuse.

WA HB2128

Revised for 2nd Substitute: Concerning the modernization of the certificate of need program.Original: Modernizing the certificate of need program.

WA SB5653

Protecting the childhood of children.

WA HR4616

Celebrating Children's Day.

WA HB1274

Creating a child malnutrition field guide for the department of children, youth, and families.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.