S-4410.1
SUBSTITUTE SENATE BILL 5942
State of Washington
69th Legislature
2026 Regular Session
By Senate Human Services (originally sponsored by Senators C. Wilson, Frame, Nobles, and Wellman)
READ FIRST TIME 01/29/26.
AN ACT Relating to the department of children, youth, and families accountability board; amending RCW 43.216.015 , 43.216.395 , and 13.50.010 ; adding a new section to chapter 43.216 RCW; and creating a new section.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. (1) The legislature recognizes that, when it established the department of children, youth, and families, it also created an independent oversight board to ensure transparency, accountability, and public confidence in the department's operations and decision making. The legislature further recognizes that, since the department's inception, both the agency and the oversight structure have evolved, and that the existing statutory framework no longer reflects the present scope, functions, or operations of either entity.
(2) The legislature finds that a modernized oversight structure is necessary to promote effective collaboration between the department and its oversight body, ensure accountability for outcomes, and provide clear statutory direction consistent with the department's current stage of development.