WA SB5375

Members of the clergy are now explicitly included as mandatory reporters of child abuse and neglect, required to report suspected abuse to law enforcement or the Department of Children, Youth, and Families within 48 hours

The definition of "member of the clergy" is expanded to include ministers, priests, rabbis, imams, elders, and similarly situated religious or spiritual leaders of any church, religious denomination, religious body, spiritual community, or sect

Clergy members cannot claim privileged communication as an exemption from mandatory reporting requirements, unlike other mandatory reporters who may be exempt when information is obtained solely through privileged communications under RCW 5.60.060

The law takes effect July 27, 2025, and amends RCW 26.44.020 and 26.44.030