Washington came close to requiring bars to stock drink-spiking test kits — but as of July 2026, it hasn’t. Senate Bill 5330, “Protecting Consumers from Spiked Drinks,” was driven by students from Lake Washington High School and championed by State Senator Manka Dhingra, and it was modeled on California’s law. This article explains what SB 5330 proposed, where it stands now, and what it means for Washington venues and patrons today.
TL;DR: Washington SB 5330 is not law. The bill would have required bars and nightclubs to stock and sell drink-spiking test kits, but it was placed on the Senate Rules “X file” on March 17, 2025, was reintroduced on January 12, 2026, and never received a floor vote. As of July 2026, no Washington bar is legally required to offer test kits — patrons who want to check a drink need to carry their own.
The Students Behind SB 5330
The idea for SB 5330 came from students at Lake Washington High School in Senator Dhingra’s district. As part of their AP Government class and civic-participation work, they researched drink-spiking risks and existing laws in other states. California had already passed similar legislation in 2023, requiring bars and nightclubs to sell drug test kits. The students brought their proposal to Senator Dhingra, who introduced the bill in the 2025 legislative session.
This student-led effort highlights how young people can influence policy on issues that affect their safety. Drink spiking and drug-facilitated assault are concerns for many people who go out at night, and the students saw test kits as a practical way to reduce risk.
What the Bill Would Require — If It Passes
As drafted, SB 5330 would apply to establishments that sell alcohol and do not admit minors — primarily bars and nightclubs. An early amendment narrowed the scope from a broader draft that had included hotels, restaurants, theaters, and taverns.
Under the proposed text, covered establishments would have to:
- Stock drug testing kits that detect substances such as Rohypnol (“roofies”), ketamine, and GHB. Kits could include test strips, stickers, or straws.
- Sell kits to customers at a reasonable price based on wholesale cost.
- Display prominent signage stating that drink-spiking test kits are available.
The bill also proposed protecting businesses from liability for defective or inaccurate test results. None of this is currently binding, because the bill has not been enacted.
Where SB 5330 Stands Now
This is the part that often gets reported incorrectly. SB 5330 is not in effect. According to the Washington State Legislature’s own bill record, the measure received a committee recommendation in February 2025 but was placed on the Senate Rules “X file” on March 17, 2025 — a signal that it was not advancing. It was reintroduced by resolution on January 12, 2026, but has not received a floor vote in either chamber.
In plain terms: as of July 2026, no Washington bar is legally required to stock or offer drink-spiking test kits. Coverage describing SB 5330 as “in effect since January 2026” reflects the bill’s proposed effective date, not a law that actually passed. If Washington revisits and enacts the measure in a future session, we’ll update this article.
A Growing Trend: Drink-Spiking Laws Across the U.S.
Washington is part of a broader conversation, even though its own bill stalled. California’s AB-1013 (effective July 2024) remains the leading statewide mandate, and Tempe, Arizona became the first city in the state to require test kits, effective August 1, 2026. Tennessee made drink spiking a felony in 2026 but dropped its proposed bar test-kit mandate before passage. For a full overview of what’s actually in force, see our drink-spiking test-kit laws by state guide.
These efforts reflect growing awareness of drink spiking and drug-facilitated assault. Test kits give patrons a tool to check their drinks before consuming them, which can help reduce risk when used alongside other practices, such as watching your drink and staying with trusted friends.
Stay Protected: DrinkCheck as a Personal Option
Because Washington has no test-kit requirement in force, the most reliable option for patrons is to carry their own kit. DrinkCheck is a portable, clinically validated test that detects GHB, Ketamine, Cocaine, Scopolamine, and other substances in about 15 seconds — discreet enough for bars, clubs, parties, or travel.
Correction (June 13, 2026): An earlier version of this article stated that SB 5330 was “in effect since January 1, 2026” and that Washington bars were required to comply. That is not accurate: the bill stalled in the Senate Rules Committee and has not passed the Legislature. The article has been rewritten to reflect the bill’s actual status. An unverified quotation previously attributed to Senator Dhingra has also been removed.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical or legal advice. If you suspect you or someone else has been drugged, seek medical attention immediately. In an emergency, call 911.
Last updated: July 10, 2026. Legislative status may change. Consult official sources for the current status of SB 5330.
