WashingtonHB 10282025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Addressing child exposure to violence.

Sponsored By: Roger Goodman (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Broader child abuse and neglect definition

Beginning July 27, 2025, the law expands what counts as child abuse or neglect. It now clearly includes sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, female genital mutilation, and trafficking, including sex trafficking. It also covers injury by any person that harms a child's health or safety, and neglect by a caregiver. It does not include lawful physical discipline allowed by state law. Child welfare, police, and courts must use this broader definition when they review cases.

Confidential peer review for child interviews

Beginning July 27, 2025, the state runs confidential peer review for child forensic interviews. Recordings from closed cases can be reviewed only when hosted by accredited or developing advocacy centers or the state chapter. Hosts must follow their rules on choosing interviews and getting parent or caregiver consent. All participants must sign confidentiality agreements and disclose any ties to the case before attending. Peer review materials and talks stay confidential unless the law allows release.

Standard rules for child interviews and centers

Beginning July 27, 2025, child forensic interviews follow clear rules. Trained, neutral professionals must use developmentally appropriate, culturally responsive, non‑leading methods. Approved team members may observe interviews when county rules allow. Children’s advocacy centers must be trauma‑informed, accredited to national standards, in good standing with the state chapter, and help families access medical exams, advocacy, therapy, and case review. The Children’s Advocacy Centers of Washington is named as the statewide chapter that supports local centers and teams.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Roger Goodman

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Carolyn Eslick

    Republican • House

  • Debra Lekanoff

    Democratic • House

  • Jake Fey

    Democratic • House

  • Julia Reed

    Democratic • House

  • Lauren Davis

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 141 • No: 4

Senate vote 4/8/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 47 • No: 2

House vote 2/6/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 94 • No: 2 • Other: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 7/27/2025.

    4/21/2025House
  2. Chapter 75, 2025 Laws.

    4/21/2025House
  3. Governor signed.

    4/21/2025legislature
  4. Delivered to Governor.

    4/15/2025legislature
  5. President signed.

    4/14/2025legislature
  6. Speaker signed.

    4/11/2025legislature
  7. Third reading, passed; yeas, 47; nays, 2; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    4/8/2025House
  8. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    4/8/2025House
  9. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    4/4/2025House
  10. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    3/26/2025House
  11. Minority; without recommendation.

    3/25/2025House
  12. HS - Majority; do pass.

    3/25/2025House
  13. First reading, referred to Human Services.

    2/7/2025House
  14. Third reading, passed; yeas, 94; nays, 2; absent, 0; excused, 2.

    2/6/2025House
  15. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/6/2025House
  16. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

    2/5/2025House
  17. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    1/28/2025House
  18. ELHS - Executive action taken by committee.

    1/24/2025House
  19. ELHS - Majority; do pass.

    1/24/2025House
  20. First reading, referred to Early Learning & Human Services.

    1/13/2025House
  21. Introduced

    1/13/2025House

Bill Text

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