Washington legislation · 2025-26 Regular Session
Washington HB1544: Child abuse risk assessment
Status: In committee, February 19, 2026
Improving the risk assessment process used when investigating alleged child abuse and neglect referrals.
What the bill says
An act Relating to the risk assessment process used by the department of children, youth, and families when investigating alleged child abuse and neglect referrals; amending RCW 26.44.030; creating a new section; and providing an expiration date. NEW SECTION.
From the introduced text:
AN ACT Relating to the risk assessment process used by the department of children, youth, and families when investigating alleged child abuse and neglect referrals; amending RCW 26.44.030; creating a new section; and providing an expiration date. NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. (1) The department of children, youth, and families shall conduct a study to improve its risks, strengths, and needs assessment tool used in the risk assessment process when investigating alleged child abuse and neglect referrals described in RCW 26.44.030(19) (b) Identify the risk of harm to a child when substance use disorder is a factor in the case or high potency synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, are a condition in the home, that incorporates guidance from the department of health regarding high potency synthetic opioids and child safety; (c) Determine the culturally appropriate service needs of the family and support caseworkers to identify and transition families to culturally appropriate, available services quickly; (d) Support reassessment and monitoring of family progress; and (e) Ensure that the assessment tool incorporates evidence-based practices to address cultural bias. (2) By November 1, 2025, and in compliance with RCW 43.01.036, the department of children, youth, and families shall provide data and information to the legislature on the department of children, youth, and families' efforts to improve its risks, strengths, and needs assessment tool based …
Sponsors
- Alicia Rule (D) · primary sponsor
- Natasha Hill (D)
- Lauren Davis (D)
- Julia Reed (D)
- Timm Ormsby (D)
Latest actions
- : House Rules "X" file.
- : Returned to Rules Committee for second reading.
- : Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.
- : Referred to Rules 2 Review.
- : Minority; without recommendation.
- : ELHS - Majority; 2nd substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
- : Executive action taken in the House Committee on Early Learning & Human Services at 8:00 AM.
- : Public hearing in the House Committee on Early Learning & Human Services at 1:30 PM.
- : Referred to Early Learning & Human Services.
- : Rules Committee relieved of further consideration.
Votes
- House Committee on Early Learning & Human Services: The second substitute bill be substituted therefor and the second substitute bill do pass (January 23, 2026): 9 yea, 0 nay, passed
- House Committee on Early Learning & Human Services: The substitute bill be substituted therefor and the substitute bill do pass (February 7, 2025): 11 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: CHILDREN, YOUTH, AND FAMILIES, DEPARTMENT
Common questions
- What is HB1544?
- HB1544 is a bill in the Washington Legislature (2025-26 Regular Session): Child abuse risk assessment.
- What does HB1544 do?
- In its own words: An act Relating to the risk assessment process used by the department of children, youth, and families when investigating alleged child abuse and neglect referrals; amending RCW 26.44.030; creating a new section; and providing an expiration date. NEW SECTION.
- What is the status of HB1544?
- In committee as of February 19, 2026. Latest action: House Rules "X" file. (February 19, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB1544?
- Alicia Rule (D), with 4 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for HB1544?
- On the Washington Legislature website: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1544&Year=2025
Source: official Washington record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.