Spokane Valley officials propose legal changes to address child fentanyl exposure

The Spokane Valley City Council meeting on May 6, 2025, focused on the pressing issue of reckless endangerment related to fentanyl exposure, particularly concerning children. Chief Dave Ellis and Lieutenant Jared Keene of the Spokane Valley Police Department presented critical information regarding recent incidents and the need for legislative changes to better protect vulnerable populations.

The meeting began with Chief Ellis introducing Lieutenant Keene, who supervises the major crimes unit responsible for serious crime investigations, including child abuse. The discussion was prompted by previous council requests for information on incidents involving children exposed to fentanyl and the adequacy of current laws.

Lieutenant Keene outlined two significant cases from 2025 that highlighted the gaps in existing legislation. In the first case, a two-year-old child accessed drug paraphernalia containing methamphetamine and fentanyl, requiring emergency medical intervention. The current law allowed for charges due to the presence of methamphetamine, but if only fentanyl had been involved, charges could not have been pursued. The second case involved a three-year-old who ingested fentanyl pills, mistaking them for candy, leading to a severe medical emergency. This case was charged under third-degree assault, which proved challenging due to the need to demonstrate substantial pain and suffering.

Keene emphasized that current laws do not adequately address the dangers posed by fentanyl and synthetic opioids, creating enforcement challenges. He proposed amending the existing endangerment laws to explicitly include these substances, which would provide law enforcement with the necessary tools to address such cases effectively.

The discussion also covered the immediate response protocols for suspected fentanyl exposure, including the administration of Narcan and the importance of accurate medical diagnosis. Investigations involve collaboration with child protective services to ensure the safety of affected children, which may include foster care placements if necessary.

To address these issues, Keene suggested two potential actions: lobbying for state-level legislation to amend the Revised Code of Washington to include fentanyl and synthetic opioids as felonies, and considering a local Spokane Valley ordinance that would classify fentanyl possession as a gross misdemeanor. He noted that a similar ordinance had recently been passed in Pierce County, which could serve as a model for Spokane Valley.

The meeting concluded with a call for council support in advancing these legislative changes to enhance protections for children and improve the community's response to the fentanyl crisis. The council members were encouraged to review the proposed ordinance and consider its implications for local law enforcement and public safety.