Establishing an office of fraud and accountability within the department of children, youth, and families.

 S-4517.1

SENATE BILL 6344

State of Washington

69th Legislature

2026 Regular Session

By Senators Christian and J. Wilson

AN ACT Relating to establishing an office of fraud and accountability within the department of children, youth, and families; amending RCW 74.04.014 ; and adding new sections to chapter 43.216 RCW.

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

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 43.216 RCW to read as follows:

(1) There is established an office of fraud and accountability within the department for the purpose of detection, investigation, and prosecution of any act prohibited or declared to be unlawful in the programs administered by the department. The secretary must employ qualified supervisory, legal, and investigative personnel for the program. Program staff must be qualified by training and experience.

(2)(a) The director of the office of fraud and accountability is the head of the office and is selected by the secretary and must demonstrate suitable capacity and experience in law enforcement management, public administration, and criminal investigations. The director of the office of fraud and accountability shall: