Lawmakers from the 18th Legislative District are sponsoring legislation aimed at protecting children participating in youth sports programs from abuse and sexual predators.
House Bill 2180, sponsored by Rep. John Ley, R-Vancouver, and endorsed by Rep. Stephanie McClintock, R-Vancouver, would require background checks for all youth sports coaches and others who manage or supervise youth sports programs, according to a Washington State House Republicans news release.
The proposal would also direct the Department of Children, Youth and Families to develop mandatory training on reporting child abuse tailored to youth sports coaches. Youth sports organizations would be required to complete the training, and coaches would be designated as mandatory reporters.
"This legislation was prompted after concerned parents encountered a convicted sex offender who failed to disclose his conviction while seeking to coach their children," Ley said in the release. “By requiring background checks — paid for by the individual or organization — we give parents and program administrators better tools to protect kids.”
The bill would require organizations to submit background checks through the Washington State Patrol and would prohibit the hiring of individuals convicted of crimes against children or other persons, the press release stated.
The bill will be reviewed during the 2026 legislative session, which begins Monday, Jan. 12.
