SSB 5169: Concerning testimony of children.

What this bill does

Expands the circumstances under which a child's hearsay statement may be admissible to include, among others, cases when the statement describes certain offenses attempted or committed against other children. Raises the age limit for children whose hearsay statement may be admissible to include children who are under 18 years old, regardless of which of the specified offenses or attempted offenses is described in the statement. Expands the circumstances when a child may be allowed to provide testimony via closed-circuit television to include cases when the child's testimony describes attempted violations of the offenses specified in the statute.

From the Washington State Legislature's nonpartisan staff bill analysis. Read the full analysis ↗

Floor votes

• Senate: 3rd Reading & Final Passage · March 11, 2025
  49 yea · 0 nay
• Senate: Final Passage · January 21, 2026
  49 yea · 0 nay

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Other bills sponsored by Nobles

• SSB 5017: Adopting national standards for uniformed and overseas civilian voting, including conforming amendments to existing statute.
• SSB 5123: Expanding protections for certain students to promote inclusivity in public schools.
• SB 5177: Considering the experiences of historically marginalized and underrepresented groups when identifying professional development resources on certain topics.
• SSB 5182: Concerning programs and services for incarcerated parents at the department of corrections.
• ESSB 5192: Concerning school district materials, supplies, and operating costs.