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WashingtonSB 51492025-2026 Regular SessionSenate

Expanding the early childhood court program.

Sponsored By: Adrian Cortes (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

More support for parents in court

Families in the program get early, frequent visits in safe, calm settings. A neutral coordinator runs family team meetings that include the parent and the parent’s lawyer. A parent’s attorney is present at every program meeting. Case plans must include protective supports to lower risks to the child. Programs use practices that meet community needs, including for families of color, LGBTQ people, and people with disabilities. Parents who join voluntarily receive all appropriate services.

Courts add coordinators, teams, extra check-ins

Courts that run these programs must include the core parts of the model. They must sign a written agreement with the Department of Children, Youth, and Families. Each program names a community coordinator with equity training and creates a diverse community advisory team. Judges hold extra status hearings more often than regular reviews to support families.

Program now serves kids under six

Children can enter the program if they are under age six when the case starts and are dependent under chapter 13.34 RCW. A case can stay in the program as long as the child remains dependent under that law.

Training and data to improve fairness

Courts and program staff receive training on bias and trauma. Assigned caseworkers must be competent in cultural antibias and antiracism. Programs collect and review data, including race and ethnicity, and share it with the state oversight board. The board shares the data and helps hold statewide meetings. Courts and partners take part in statewide data reviews and use training and evaluations to improve practice.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Adrian Cortes

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Bob Hasegawa

    Democratic • Senate

  • Claire Wilson

    Democratic • Senate

  • Deborah Krishnadasan

    Democratic • Senate

  • Jesse Salomon

    Democratic • Senate

  • Marko Liias

    Democratic • Senate

  • Rebecca Saldaña

    Democratic • Senate

  • Sharon Shewmake

    Democratic • Senate

  • T'wina Nobles

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 143 • No: 0

House vote • 4/10/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 95 • No: 0 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 2/19/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 48 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 7/27/2025.

    4/22/2025Senate

  2. Chapter 120, 2025 Laws.

    4/22/2025Senate

  3. Governor signed.

    4/22/2025legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    4/17/2025legislature

  5. Speaker signed.

    4/16/2025legislature

  6. President signed.

    4/15/2025legislature

  7. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

    4/10/2025Senate

  8. Third reading, passed; yeas, 95; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 3.

    4/10/2025Senate

  9. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    4/10/2025Senate

  10. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    4/1/2025Senate

  11. ELHS - Executive action taken by committee.

    3/28/2025Senate

  12. ELHS - Majority; do pass.

    3/28/2025Senate

  13. First reading, referred to Early Learning & Human Services.

    2/21/2025Senate

  14. Third reading, passed; yeas, 48; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    2/19/2025Senate

  15. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/19/2025Senate

  16. 1st substitute bill substituted.

    2/19/2025Senate

  17. Placed on second reading consent calendar.

    2/12/2025Senate

  18. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    2/6/2025Senate

  19. HS - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

    2/5/2025Senate

  20. First reading, referred to Human Services.

    1/13/2025Senate

  21. Prefiled for introduction.

    1/7/2025Senate

Bill Text

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