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WashingtonSB 59112025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Strengthening the financial stability of persons in the care of the department of children, youth, and families.

Sponsored By: Emily Alvarado (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Benefit management support for foster youth

Beginning June 11, 2026, Washington's child welfare department may help assess whether people in foster or extended foster care can manage benefit accounts independently. When someone needs extra help, the department must make reasonable efforts to find a suitable person as their authorized representative. If neither the person nor the department finds someone suitable, the department may serve until someone is identified. When serving as Social Security payee, the department must manage the person's money in their interests under federal rules. The department may also hire an outside organization to manage accounts on its behalf.

Extended foster care funds stay protected

Beginning January 1, 2027, Washington's child welfare department cannot use extended foster care residents' money to repay care costs. This protects benefits, payments, other funds, and money earned on those funds, paid to or for the person. The protection covers people ages 18 to 21 in the department's extended foster care.

Social Security help for foster youth

Beginning June 11, 2026, Washington's child welfare department must check Social Security eligibility for extended foster care residents ages 18 to 21 who receive no benefits. This includes SSI and retirement, survivors, and disability benefits. For eligible residents, the department must help them become their own payee—the person who receives and manages benefits. It must help maintain eligibility while serving as payee and help the person or payee set up a benefit account. Account options include Washington ABLE accounts, checking or savings accounts, and other electronic banking.

Higher threshold for foster care accounts

Beginning June 11, 2026, the threshold for certain protected accounts rises from $500 to $2,000. Washington's child welfare department may deposit money it holds for a person only when those funds exceed $2,000. The person must also qualify for the protected account, such as a Washington ABLE account or similar account. Above that threshold, these accounts remain an available option; deposits are not required.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Emily Alvarado

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Claire Wilson

    Democratic • Senate

  • Judy Warnick

    Republican • Senate

  • Marcus Riccelli

    Democratic • Senate

  • Matt Boehnke

    Republican • Senate

  • Noel Frame

    Democratic • Senate

  • T'wina Nobles

    Democratic • Senate

  • Tina Orwall

    Democratic • Senate

  • Yasmin Trudeau

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 190 • No: 2

Senate vote • 3/9/2026

Final Passage as Amended by the House

Yes: 49 • No: 0

House vote • 3/5/2026

Final Passage as Amended by the House

Yes: 93 • No: 2 • Other: 3

Senate vote • 2/13/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 48 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 6/11/2026.

    3/18/2026Senate

  2. Chapter 92, 2026 Laws.

    3/18/2026Senate

  3. Governor signed.

    3/18/2026legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    3/12/2026legislature

  5. Speaker signed.

    3/11/2026legislature

  6. President signed.

    3/10/2026legislature

  7. Passed final passage; yeas, 49; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    3/9/2026Senate

  8. Senate concurred in House amendments.

    3/9/2026House

  9. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/5/2026Senate

  10. Committee amendment(s) adopted as amended.

    3/5/2026Senate

  11. Third reading, passed; yeas, 93; nays, 2; absent, 0; excused, 3.

    3/5/2026Senate

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

    3/4/2026Senate

  13. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    3/2/2026Senate

  14. APP - Executive action taken by committee.

    3/2/2026Senate

  15. Minority; without recommendation.

    3/2/2026Senate

  16. APP - Majority; do pass with amendment(s) by Early Learning & Human Services.

    3/2/2026Senate

  17. Referred to Appropriations.

    2/25/2026Senate

  18. Minority; without recommendation.

    2/24/2026Senate

  19. ELHS - Majority; do pass with amendment(s).

    2/24/2026Senate

  20. ELHS - Executive action taken by committee.

    2/24/2026Senate

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

    2/17/2026Senate

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

    2/13/2026Senate

  23. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/13/2026Senate

  24. 1st substitute bill substituted.

    2/13/2026Senate

  25. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    2/12/2026Senate

Bill Text

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