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SB 5386

Supporting survivors of sexual assault in public elementary and secondary schools.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Manka Dhingra and 9 co-sponsors

SB 5386 requires Washington K-12 schools to establish trauma-informed sexual assault response protocols, mandatory reporting procedures, and counseling support for survivor students.

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Bill Summary · SB 5386

Legislative bill overview

SB 5386 establishes new protections and support systems for students who are survivors of sexual assault in Washington's public K-12 schools. The bill requires schools to implement standardized reporting procedures, trauma-informed response protocols, and access to counseling and support services for affected students.

Why is this important

Sexual assault among school-age children is a documented public health concern that often goes unreported due to stigma, fear, and lack of institutional support. Clear policies and mandatory support systems can improve survivor outcomes, increase reporting rates, and create accountability within school districts for how they handle these cases.

Potential points of contention

  • Mandatory reporting requirements: Questions about how to balance mandatory reporting to law enforcement with a student's autonomy and safety, particularly for minors who may fear consequences
  • Implementation costs and burden: Schools may argue the bill creates unfunded mandates requiring significant resource allocation for training, counseling staff, and infrastructure
  • Privacy and confidentiality concerns: Tensions between protecting survivor privacy and fulfilling reporting obligations to authorities or parents, especially for students above age of consent

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

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