WA SB5942

Reconstitutes the existing oversight board as the "Department of Children, Youth, and Families Accountability Board" to provide independent oversight of department operations, policies, and outcomes

Board consists of 19 members including 4 legislators (bipartisan), a nonvoting governor's office representative, subject matter experts in early learning/child welfare/juvenile justice/disparities, 2 tribal representatives, foster parent and youth representatives, and various stakeholders

Board will reside in the Office of Financial Management for administrative purposes and must meet at least twice yearly with community groups affected by department programs

Grants the board powers to receive reports from the Office of Family and Children's Ombuds, request investigations, obtain department records, and evaluate whether the department is meeting performance measures

Requires biennial reports to the governor and legislature starting July 2027 assessing the department's progress on performance measures selected by the board