WA People
BILL · 2025–26 SESSION · LATEST VERSION SSB 5643

SB 5643: Child fatality reviews

Expanding the purview of child fatality and near fatality reviews.

Summary

  • Expands child fatality and near fatality reviews conducted by the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) to include those in the care or custody of DCYF, including juvenile rehabilitation facilities.
  • Directs DCYF to make near fatality reviews mandatory.
  • Directs DCYF to grant the Office of Family and Children Ombuds physical access to state institutions serving children, youth, and individuals, and state licensed facilities or residences as well as unrestricted online access to the juvenile rehabilitation case management system.
  • Provides that near fatalities includes an overdose of any controlled substance under Chapter 69.50 RCW.

From the Senate Bill Report (Orig.) (SB 5643), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗

Did not pass Did not pass · died in committee
  1. IntroducedFeb 3, 2025
  2. Out of committeestopped here
  3. Passed Senate
  4. Passed House
  5. Governor
  6. Law
Prime sponsor
Leonard Christian (R-4)
Introduced
February 3, 2025 in the Senate
Last action
January 12, 2026
Budget
Has a fiscal note
Versions
SB 5643, SSB 5643

AN ACT Relating to expanding child fatality and near fatality reviews to include those in the care or custody of the department of children, youth, and families pursuant to chapter 13.40 RCW;

Sponsors

Prime sponsor: Leonard Christian (R-4)

Votes

No recorded floor votes. This measure never reached a floor vote.

History

  1. By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status. (SSB 5643)
  2. By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
  3. Referred to Ways & Means. (SSB 5643)
  4. Referred to Ways & Means.
  5. HS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. (SSB 5643)
  6. And refer to Ways & Means. (SSB 5643)
  7. And refer to Ways & Means.
  8. HS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
  9. First reading, referred to Human Services.

SB 5643 in other sessions

Bill numbers restart every two years, so the same number is a different bill in each session.

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