Signed by Governor Jay Inslee

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to amend and pass a bill that prohibits child abuse and neglect at residential schools and facilities.

Highlights:

• Prohibits child abuse and neglect at residential schools and facilities and requires the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) to investigate referrals of alleged child abuse or neglect occuring at the following locations, including (Sec. 3):

• Substance use disorder treatment facilities;

• Entities that provide behavioral health services; and

• Residential private schools.

• Requires the aforemenetioned facilities share all relevant records and information with the DCYF to determine whether there is a finding for abuse or neglect in the referral (Sec. 3).

• Defines “residential private school” as a nonpublic school or school district subject to approval by the state board of education that provides sleeping and living facilities or residential accommodations for enrolled students (Sec. 3-4).

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect January 1, 2024 (Sec. 9).

Full Bill Text