The bill amends Washington's Revised Code to enhance the protection of minor children in parenting plans by establishing clearer limitations on parental residential time, particularly in cases involving abuse or sexual offenses. It introduces new legal language that emphasizes parental responsibility for children's welfare and allows courts to impose restrictions if a parent's conduct poses an unreasonable risk of harm. The bill defines key terms such as "abusive use of conflict" and "protective actions," and outlines specific behaviors that may necessitate limitations, including physical or emotional abuse and domestic violence. Additionally, it establishes a rebuttable presumption that a parent convicted of certain sex offenses poses a danger to children, requiring the court to restrict contact unless the parent can demonstrate otherwise.

Furthermore, the bill modifies decision-making and dispute resolution processes in parenting plans, particularly for parents with a history of sex offenses. It allows for supervised residential time under specific conditions and prohibits unsupervised contact unless certain criteria are met. The legislation also streamlines the process for addressing child relocation, allowing objections to be filed without needing to show adequate cause beyond the proposed relocation. It emphasizes the importance of the child's best interests in all decisions and includes provisions for guardians ad litem, ensuring they meet training standards. Overall, the bill aims to prioritize child safety while balancing parental rights in custody and visitation matters.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 26.09.191, 11.130.215, 26.09.187, 26.09.194, 26.09.260, 26.09.520, 26.12.177
Substitute Bill: 26.09.191, 11.130.215, 26.09.187, 26.09.194, 26.09.260, 26.09.520, 26.12.177