Washington legislation · 2025-26 Regular Session
Washington HB2171: Foster youth
Status: In committee, January 20, 2026
Supporting foster youth.
What the bill says
An act Relating to supporting foster youth; amending RCW 74.13.250 and 74.14B.010; adding a new section to chapter 43.43 RCW; adding new sections to chapter 74.13 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 43.06A RCW; and creating new sections. NEW SECTION.
From the introduced text:
AN ACT Relating to supporting foster youth; amending RCW 74.13.250 and 74.14B.010; adding a new section to chapter 43.43 RCW; adding new sections to chapter 74.13 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 43.06A RCW; and creating new sections. NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. (1) The legislature finds that youth in foster care experience trauma at significantly higher rates than the general population, often leading to runaway behavior and exploitation. The lack of an immediate response when foster youth go missing increases the risk for trafficking of these youth. Washington state currently lacks a unified, trauma-informed system to prevent runaways and support survivors. (2) The legislature intends (b) Improve the state's ability to locate and protect missing foster youth through mandatory alerts and rapid response; (c) Expand mental health and empowerment programs for foster youth; and (d) Maintain oversight and accountability for missing and deceased foster youth. NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 43.43 RCW to read as follows: (1) The Washington state patrol, in partnership with the department of children, youth, and families, shall design and implement an endangered foster youth alert system consistent with the requirements of this section. (2) The endangered foster youth alert system created in this section and (b) Describe a plan for cooperation and (ii) State government agencies; and (c) …
Sponsors
- Mike Steele (R) · primary sponsor
- Rob Chase (R)
- Stephanie Barnard (R)
- Kristine Reeves (D)
- Tom Dent (R)
Latest actions
- : Public hearing in the House Committee on Early Learning & Human Services at 1:30 PM.
- : First reading, referred to Early Learning & Human Services.
- : Prefiled for introduction.
Subjects: NAMED ACTS, PUBLIC FUNDS AND ACCOUNTS, CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES, DEPARTMENT, LAW ENFORCEMENT, CHILDREN
Common questions
- What is HB2171?
- HB2171 is a bill in the Washington Legislature (2025-26 Regular Session): Foster youth.
- What does HB2171 do?
- In its own words: An act Relating to supporting foster youth; amending RCW 74.13.250 and 74.14B.010; adding a new section to chapter 43.43 RCW; adding new sections to chapter 74.13 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 43.06A RCW; and creating new sections. NEW SECTION.
- What is the status of HB2171?
- In committee as of January 20, 2026. Latest action: Public hearing in the House Committee on Early Learning & Human Services at 1:30 PM. (January 20, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB2171?
- Mike Steele (R), with 4 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for HB2171?
- On the Washington Legislature website: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2171&Year=2025
Source: official Washington record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.