Establishing the youth behavioral health account and funding the account through the imposition of a business and occupation additional tax on the operation of social media platforms.

 S-2381.1

SENATE BILL 5799

State of Washington

69th Legislature

2025 Regular Session

By Senator C. Wilson

AN ACT Relating to establishing the youth behavioral health account and funding the account through the imposition of a business and occupation additional tax on the operation of social media platforms; adding a new section to chapter 82.04 RCW; creating new sections; and providing an effective date.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. (1) The legislature finds that:

(a) Social media use among young people is nearly universal, with most American teens reporting use of certain social media platforms every day, and one-third reporting using social media almost constantly;

(b) The surgeon general has issued an advisory on social media and youth mental health, noting that children and adolescents who spend more than three hours a day on social media face double the risk of mental health problems, including experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety;