The bill, ESSB 5998, amends various sections of Washington state law to adjust appropriations for the fiscal years 2026 and 2027, focusing on enhancing funding for multiple state departments and programs. It includes significant increases in appropriations for the House of Representatives, Senate, and various committees, with specific allocations aimed at improving budget transparency, fiscal sustainability, and accountability in state spending. Notable funding adjustments include increases for civil legal aid, juvenile rehabilitation programs, and early intervention services for at-risk youth, as well as provisions for flexible funding to support children in crisis. The bill also mandates the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee to conduct performance audits on state programs, emphasizing the need for efficiency in public fund management.

Additionally, the bill introduces new sections to establish accounts such as the Wildfire Response Account and the State Health Care Affordability Account, aimed at enhancing the state's emergency response capabilities and improving healthcare access. It outlines specific funding allocations for various initiatives, including mental health services, educational programs, and environmental conservation efforts. The bill emphasizes collaboration among state agencies and community organizations to address pressing social issues, such as housing stability, child welfare, and public safety. Overall, ESSB 5998 seeks to streamline state operations, enhance service delivery, and ensure effective use of resources while addressing the needs of vulnerable populations.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 28B.76.526, 38.40.210, 43.07.130, 43.41.399, 43.41.433, 43.70.250, 43.70.320, 43.79.565, 43.105.342, 43.185C.185, 43.280.130, 70.42.090, 70.42.170, 70A.200.140, 71A.20.170, 74.39A.032, 74.46.561, 79.100.100, 82.87.030, 89.16.020
Substitute bill: 28B.15.210, 28B.15.310, 28B.35.370, 28B.50.360, 28B.76.526, 38.40.210, 41.24.030, 41.45.060, 41.45.030, 43.41.399, 43.43.839, 43.43.944, 43.70.250, 43.70.320, 43.79.565, 43.105.342, 43.185C.185, 43.216.828, 41.56.153, 43.330.767, 50.24.014, 59.21.050, 70.168.040, 70A.200.140, 71A.20.170, 74.46.561, 79.100.100, 82.87.030, 89.16.020
Engrossed substitute: 28B.15.210, 28B.15.310, 28B.35.370, 28B.50.360, 28B.76.526, 38.40.210, 41.24.030, 41.45.060, 41.45.030, 43.41.399, 43.43.839, 43.43.944, 43.70.250, 43.70.320, 43.79.565, 43.105.342, 43.185C.185, 43.216.828, 41.56.153, 43.330.767, 50.24.014, 59.21.050, 70.168.040, 70A.200.140, 71A.20.170, 74.46.561, 79.100.100, 82.87.030, 89.16.020
Bill as passed Legislature: 28B.15.210, 28B.15.310, 28B.35.370, 28B.50.360, 28B.76.526, 29B.60.080, 38.40.210, 41.24.030, 41.45.060, 41.45.030, 43.07.130, 43.41.399, 43.43.839, 43.43.944, 43.70.250, 43.70.320, 43.79.565, 43.88.030, 43.88.055, 43.105.342, 43.216.828, 41.56.153, 43.330.767, 50.24.014, 70.168.040, 70.170.080, 70A.15.1010, 70A.65.260, 70A.200.140, 71A.20.170, 74.39A.032, 74.46.561, 82.87.030, 89.16.020, 90.48.465
Session law: 28B.15.210, 28B.15.310, 28B.35.370, 28B.50.360, 28B.76.526, 29B.60.080, 38.40.210, 41.24.030, 41.45.060, 41.45.030, 43.07.130, 43.41.399, 43.43.839, 43.43.944, 43.70.250, 43.70.320, 43.79.565, 43.88.030, 43.88.055, 43.105.342, 43.216.828, 41.56.153, 43.330.767, 50.24.014, 70.168.040, 70.170.080, 70A.15.1010, 70A.65.260, 70A.200.140, 71A.20.170, 74.39A.032, 74.46.561, 82.87.030, 89.16.020, 90.48.465