WA HB1803

Youth sports organization coaches must complete annual mandatory reporter training on child abuse and neglect starting July 1, 2026, and are added to the list of mandatory reporters required to report suspected abuse within 48 hours

Youth sports organizations must require background checks through the Washington State Patrol before hiring coaches, and cannot hire anyone convicted of crimes against children or other persons

The Department of Children, Youth, and Families must develop a model prohibited conduct policy and mandatory reporter training by January 1, 2026, to be adopted by youth sports organizations

The Washington Interscholastic Activities Association must require abuse prevention training for coaches of interscholastic sports and develop a prohibited conduct policy covering coaches, parents, spectators, and athletes by January 1, 2026

"Youth sports organization" is defined as private for-profit/nonprofit organizations or city/county programs providing scheduled competitive or recreational sporting activities to persons under 18, excluding licensed child care, higher education institutions, and unsupervised sporting events