Washington legislation · 2025-26 Regular Session
Washington SB5979: Dependency/substance abuse
Status: Passed one chamber, February 26, 2026
Improving state responses to dependent children and the risk of harm from high-potency synthetic opioids and caregiver substance abuse.
What the bill says
An act Relating to improving state responses to dependent children and the risk of harm from high-potency synthetic opioids and caregiver substance abuse; amending RCW 13.34.040; adding a new section to chapter 13.34 RCW; creating a new section; and declaring an emergency. NEW SECTION.
From the introduced text:
AN ACT Relating to improving state responses to dependent children and the risk of harm from high-potency synthetic opioids and caregiver substance abuse; amending RCW 13.34.040; adding a new section to chapter 13.34 RCW; creating a new section; and declaring an emergency. 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 in 2025. Additionally, opioid-related critical incidents occurred, compromising 53 percent of all critical incidents. The legislature further finds that since 2020 there has been a precipitous rise in both critical incidents and critical incidents involving high-potency synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl. The legislature further finds that also in 2025, the office of the family and children's ombuds published its annual critical incident report. In that report the ombuds observed during critical incident reviews, the department of children, youth, and families appeared to erroneously apply the same standard for seeking removal as for filing a dependency. In addition, the ombuds noted the general practice of the department was to only file dependencies when seeking removal of a child. The ombuds further recommended the expansion of dependencies as an effective tool for engaging families and providing ongoing services, support, and protective supervision. The legislature agrees with the ombuds' recommendations and …
Sponsors
- Nikki Torres (R) · primary sponsor
- Perry Dozier (R)
- Chris Gildon (R)
- Wilson, Jeff (R, 19)
Latest actions
- : Senate Rules "X" file.
- : 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.
- : Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Human Services at 8:00 AM.
- : First reading, referred to Human Services.
- : Prefiled for introduction.
Votes
- Senate Committee on Human Services: Do pass (February 4, 2026): 5 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: DOMESTIC RELATIONS
Common questions
- What is SB5979?
- SB5979 is a bill in the Washington Legislature (2025-26 Regular Session): Dependency/substance abuse.
- What does SB5979 do?
- In its own words: An act Relating to improving state responses to dependent children and the risk of harm from high-potency synthetic opioids and caregiver substance abuse; amending RCW 13.34.040; adding a new section to chapter 13.34 RCW; creating a new section; and declaring an emergency. NEW SECTION.
- What is the status of SB5979?
- Passed one chamber as of February 26, 2026. Latest action: Senate Rules "X" file. (February 26, 2026).
- Who sponsored SB5979?
- Nikki Torres (R), with 3 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for SB5979?
- On the Washington Legislature website: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5979&Year=2025
Source: official Washington record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.