WA SB5213

Knowingly possessing fentanyl becomes a class C felony under Washington state law, elevated from the current gross misdemeanor classification for other controlled substances

Fentanyl possession is added to the adult sentencing guidelines at Seriousness Level I, the lowest felony level for drug offenses

Juvenile offenders face a Category C disposition for fentanyl possession, with sentencing ranging from local sanctions to 15-36 weeks confinement depending on prior adjudications

Law enforcement retains discretion to offer referrals to assessment and treatment services in lieu of arrest and prosecution

Declared an emergency measure taking effect immediately upon passage, citing 662 synthetic opioid overdose deaths in Washington during Q1 2024