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Bill

SB 5992

Creating the youth development fund account to increase access to positive youth development programs.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mike Chapman and 7 co-sponsors

Washington creates dedicated Youth Development Fund account to expand access to positive youth programs statewide through new recurring funding mechanism.

By resolution, returned to Senate Rules Committee for third reading.
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Bill Summary · SB 5992

Legislative bill overview

SB 5992 establishes a dedicated Youth Development Fund account in Washington State to expand access to positive youth development programs. The bill allocates resources and creates a funding mechanism to support youth-focused initiatives across the state, particularly in underserved communities.

Why is this important

Youth development programs have documented benefits for academic achievement, mental health, and crime prevention, but many communities lack adequate funding. This dedicated fund addresses gaps in access by creating a stable revenue source for programs that might otherwise depend on inconsistent grant funding or local budgets. The bill passed the Washington House with bipartisan support (30-18), indicating recognition across parties that youth services need dedicated resources.

Potential points of contention

  • Funding source unclear: The bill text doesn't specify how the fund will be financed—whether through general revenue, new taxes, or reallocation from existing budgets, which affects overall fiscal impact
  • Program definition and accountability: Without explicit criteria for what qualifies as "positive youth development," there may be disputes over which programs receive funding and whether outcomes are measured effectively
  • Regional equity concerns: Questions about how funds will be distributed geographically—whether rural and urban areas, or wealthy versus low-income districts, receive proportional resources

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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