OLYMPIA, WA — The Washington State Senate has again approved legislation that would add fentanyl to the state’s child endangerment law, sending the proposal back to the House of Representatives for consideration.
Senate Bill 5071, sponsored by John Braun, passed the Senate on January 21 by a 40–9 vote. The bill has cleared the Senate in each of the past three years but has not advanced in the House after failing to receive a hearing, according to legislative materials .
The measure would classify exposure to fentanyl under existing child endangerment statutes. A revised version of the bill includes an approach aimed at addressing concerns raised in prior sessions. Under the updated language, individuals charged with a first offense would be directed to court-ordered parent support services, which could include substance use treatment, rather than mandatory prison time. For subsequent offenses, sentencing would be left to judicial discretion .
Supporters of the bill say the changes are intended to balance child safety with access to treatment, while maintaining accountability when a child is endangered. Similar diversion programs cited in legislative discussions have been associated with lower repeat offense rates due to court oversight and compliance requirements, according to statements included in the press materials .
SB 5071 now moves to the House of Representatives, where it will again be considered during the current legislative session.
