WA SB5977

Requires the Department of Children, Youth, and Families to publish child near fatality review reports on the same public website as child fatality review reports within 180 days of the incident

Mandates near fatality review reports be distributed to appropriate legislative committees and made subject to public disclosure, with confidential information redacted per existing state and federal privacy laws

Applies to near fatalities of children in department care, receiving department services, or who were in care/services within one year prior (or three months prior if under investigation for abuse/neglect)

Cites November 2025 data showing 45 critical incidents involving children: 30 near fatalities and 15 fatalities, emphasizing transparency to address risks from high-potency synthetic opioids