UPDATE ON SB 5708 - PROTECT WA KIDS ONLINE
As of yesterday, our bill aimed at protecting kids online (SB 5708) has missed the April 2 cutoff, meaning it did not receive a committee hearing in time to move forward this session. We are disappointed in this outcome, but are encouraged by the significant progress of this legislation, despite the setbacks.
This session marked the debut of this idea, and in this first year, we saw SB 5708 pass the Senate with strong bipartisan support! Many House representatives also endorsed the bill. Additionally, we know that this effort would not have been possible without strong champions like our agency sponsor, the Washington State Office of the Attorney General, as well as our legislative sponsors Representative Lisa Callan and Senator Noel Frame.
We also want to recognize you—the hundreds of passionate advocates, community members, and families who supported the bill by signing in PRO at hearings, contacting their lawmakers, attending town hall events, and more. Your efforts helped to advance this work!
Please know that we aren’t done yet! We have every intention of returning in 2026 with renewed energy to fight for the behavioral health of Washington’s children. We are eagerly developing our plan for the interim to meet with stakeholders, hear from parents and caregivers, and work with our partners to bring this policy back to Olympia in 2026.
Do not be discouraged! There is little that can stop a unified and organized movement, and we are committed to working with you to make it clear to legislators and decision makers that our children must be our highest priority.
If you haven’t already, please consider sharing your story through our survey and story collection form. Sharing the stories of Washingtonians directly affected by this issue is the most powerful way we can communicate with legislators, and we know your stories will resonate with them.
We look forward to continuing this work alongside you and are heartened by your continued support and engagement.