Washington SB5272: School safety/penalties

What the bill says

An act Relating to improving school safety by extending penalties for interference by, or intimidation by threat of, force or violence at schools and extracurricular activities and requiring schools to notify the public of such penalties; amending RCW 28A.635.090 and 28A.635.100; and creating a new section. NEW SECTION.

From the enrolled text:

AN ACT Relating to improving school safety by extending penalties for interference by, or intimidation by threat of, force or violence at schools and extracurricular activities and requiring schools to notify the public of such penalties; amending RCW 28A.635.090 and 28A.635.100; and creating a new section. NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. (1) The legislature finds that incidents of violence in elementary and secondary schools raise concerns about ensuring and promoting school safety. For learning to occur, schools must first be safe places for students and staff. The legislature recognizes that violent behavior tends to escalate if tolerated, thus it is the intent of the legislature to provide targeted and appropriate sanctions for the interference with school activities by force or violence before it rises to the level of substantial or grievous bodily harm. (2) The legislature understands that extracurricular athletics provide valuable opportunities for students to develop social and personal skills that can be useful throughout their lives. These activities also benefit other students and spectators by building school spirit, unity, community support, and community identity. Extracurricular athletics would not be possible without the commitment of officials, judges, referees, and volunteers who work at the events for little or no financial gain. The legislature finds that the values engendered in interscholastic activities are being undermined by participants and spectators who do …

Read the full official text

Sponsors

• John Lovick (D) · primary sponsor
• Deborah Krishnadasan (D)
• Rebecca Saldaña (D)

Latest actions

1. March 23, 2026: Effective date 6/11/2026.
2. March 23, 2026: Chapter 155, 2026 Laws.
3. March 23, 2026: Governor signed.
4. March 12, 2026: Delivered to Governor.
5. March 11, 2026: Speaker signed.
6. March 10, 2026: President signed.
7. March 9, 2026: Passed final passage; yeas, 47; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 2.
8. March 9, 2026: Senate concurred in House amendments.
9. March 3, 2026: Third reading, passed; yeas, 92; nays, 2; absent, 0; excused, 4.
10. March 3, 2026: Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

Votes

• Final Passage as Amended by the House (March 9, 2026): 47 yea, 0 nay, passed
• Final Passage as Amended by the House (March 3, 2026): 92 yea, 2 nay, passed
• House Committee on Community Safety: Do pass (February 19, 2026): 8 yea, 0 nay, passed
• 3rd Reading & Final Passage (January 28, 2026): 46 yea, 3 nay, passed
• Senate Committee on Early Learning & K-12 Education: Do pass (February 13, 2025): 6 yea, 0 nay, passed

Common questions

What is SB5272?

SB5272 is a bill in the Washington Legislature (2025-26 Regular Session): School safety/penalties.

What does SB5272 do?

In its own words: An act Relating to improving school safety by extending penalties for interference by, or intimidation by threat of, force or violence at schools and extracurricular activities and requiring schools to notify the public of such penalties; amending RCW 28A.635.090 and 28A.635.100; and creating a new section. NEW SECTION.

What is the status of SB5272?

Signed into law as of March 23, 2026. Latest action: Effective date 6/11/2026. (March 23, 2026).

Who sponsored SB5272?

John Lovick (D), with 2 co-sponsors.

Where is the official record for SB5272?

On the Washington Legislature website: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5272&Year=2025