The bill aims to enhance child welfare services and clarify the child removal process in cases involving high-potency synthetic opioids, particularly fentanyl, which poses significant risks to children's safety. It emphasizes the need for judges, social workers, and families to understand the dangers associated with these substances, mandating that the lethality of high-potency synthetic opioids and public health guidance from the Department of Health be given considerable weight when assessing the risk of imminent physical harm to children. Key amendments include a definition of "high-potency synthetic opioid" and modifications to the criteria for child removal, ensuring that allegations of imminent harm due to these substances are explicitly considered in custody decisions. The bill also establishes a framework for timely shelter care hearings, emphasizing parental rights and the need for the court to prioritize the child's health, welfare, and safety.

Additionally, the bill introduces new provisions regarding visitation, requiring courts to create individualized plans that maximize contact between parents and children while ensuring that visitation is not limited as a sanction for non-compliance. It mandates early and frequent visitation, with the first visit occurring within 72 hours of a child entering custody. The legislation also outlines responsibilities for courts in managing family and juvenile cases, including specialized training for judges and the establishment of grant programs to improve court operations. Furthermore, it mandates the creation of a work group to provide information on fentanyl exposure, training for judicial officers, and pilot programs for targeted home visiting services. The bill emphasizes the need for culturally sensitive health education and allows for the distribution of high-potency synthetic opioid testing strips, with a stipulation that the act will be null and void if specific funding is not provided by June 30, 2024.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 13.34.050, 26.44.050, 26.44.056, 26.44.030, 2.56.230
Substitute Bill: 13.34.050, 26.44.050, 26.44.056, 2.56.230
Second Substitute: 13.34.050, 13.34.130, 26.44.050, 26.44.056, 2.56.230
Engrossed Second Substitute: 13.34.050, 13.34.130, 26.44.050, 26.44.056, 2.56.230
Bill as Passed Legislature: 13.34.050, 13.34.130, 26.44.050, 26.44.056, 2.56.230
Session Law: 13.34.050, 13.34.130, 26.44.050, 26.44.056, 2.56.230