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WA SB5761

Bill

Status

Passed

5/20/2025

Primary Sponsor

Noel Frame

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2025-2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Extends the statewide implementation timeline for court-appointed attorneys for children in dependency proceedings from 7 years to 11 years, with full implementation now required by January 1, 2032 instead of January 1, 2028

  • Delays expansion to 30 counties from January 1, 2026 to January 1, 2030, and to 36 counties from 2027 to January 1, 2031

  • Caps the phase-in schedule at no more than 1,250 new cases per fiscal year

  • Maintains existing requirements for mandatory attorney appointment for children under 8 upon termination petition filing and for children ages 8-17 upon new dependency petition filing

  • Act becomes null and void if specific funding is not provided in the omnibus appropriations act by June 30, 2025

Legislative Description

Developing a schedule for court appointment of attorneys for children and youth in dependency and termination proceedings.

Last Action

Effective date 7/27/2025.

5/20/2025

Committee Referrals

Rules4/8/2025
Appropriations3/28/2025
Rules2/28/2025
Ways & Means2/17/2025

Full Bill Text

No bill text available