Washington legislation · 2025-26 Regular Session
Washington SB5977: Child near fatality reviews
Status: Passed one chamber, March 12, 2026
Requiring publication of child near fatality reviews.
What the bill says
An act Relating to requiring publication of child near fatality reviews; amending RCW 74.13.640; and creating a new section. NEW SECTION.
From the introduced text:
AN ACT Relating to requiring publication of child near fatality reviews; amending RCW 74.13.640; and creating a new section. NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that in November 2025, the department of children, youth, and families reported there was a combined total of 45 critical incidents involving children. This included 30 near fatalities and 15 fatalities. The legislature further finds that transparency about the causes of child fatalities and near fatalities is vital to developing strategies to mitigate the presence and risk of high-potency synthetic opioids. Sec. 2. RCW 74.13.640 and 2018 c 284 s 62 are each amended to read as follows: (1)(a) The department shall conduct a child fatality review in the event of a fatality suspected to be caused by child abuse or neglect of any minor who is in the care of the department or receiving services described in this chapter or who has been in the care of the department or received services described in this chapter within one year preceding the minor's death. (b) The department shall consult with the office of the family and children's ombuds to determine if a child fatality review should be conducted in any case in which it cannot be determined whether the child's death is the result of suspected child abuse or neglect. (c) The department shall …
Sponsors
- Nikki Torres (R) · primary sponsor
- Perry Dozier (R)
- Chris Gildon (R)
- Judith Warnick (R)
- Wilson, Jeff (R, 19)
Latest actions
- : By resolution, returned to Senate Rules Committee for third reading.
- : Public hearing in the House Committee on Early Learning & Human Services at 1:30 PM.
- : First reading, referred to Early Learning & Human Services.
- : Third reading, passed; yeas, 47; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 2.
- : Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
- : Placed on second reading consent calendar.
- : Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
- : HS - Majority; do pass.
- : Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Human Services at 8:00 AM.
- : Executive session scheduled, but no action was taken in the Senate Committee on Human Services at 1:30 PM.
Votes
- 3rd Reading & Final Passage (February 10, 2026): 47 yea, 0 nay, passed
- Senate Committee on Human Services: Do pass (February 4, 2026): 5 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: HEALTH AND SAFETY, PUBLIC
Common questions
- What is SB5977?
- SB5977 is a bill in the Washington Legislature (2025-26 Regular Session): Child near fatality reviews.
- What does SB5977 do?
- In its own words: An act Relating to requiring publication of child near fatality reviews; amending RCW 74.13.640; and creating a new section. NEW SECTION.
- What is the status of SB5977?
- Passed one chamber as of March 12, 2026. Latest action: By resolution, returned to Senate Rules Committee for third reading. (March 12, 2026).
- Who sponsored SB5977?
- Nikki Torres (R), with 4 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for SB5977?
- On the Washington Legislature website: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5977&Year=2025
Source: official Washington record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.