The bill amends RCW 13.34.080 to clarify the responsibilities for providing service by publication in dependency and termination of parental rights cases. It specifies that the court shall direct the petitioner to publish notice in a legal newspaper, as outlined in RCW 65.16.020, for three consecutive weeks prior to the hearing date. The bill also establishes that the cost of publication will generally be borne by the petitioner, but if the petitioner is a minor child or an indigent parent or legal guardian, the cost will be covered by the office of civil legal aid or the office of public defense, depending on the situation.

Additionally, the bill introduces a provision stating that if specific funding for its implementation is not provided by June 30, 2024, it will become null and void. The act is set to take effect on January 31, 2026. Overall, the bill aims to streamline the process of notifying parties involved in dependency and termination cases while ensuring that costs are managed appropriately for vulnerable petitioners.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 13.34.080
Substitute Bill: 13.34.080
Second Substitute: 13.34.080
Bill as Passed Legislature: 13.34.080
Session Law: 13.34.080