The bill amends the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) to enhance protections for children in parenting plans, particularly in cases involving parents who pose a risk to their children's safety. It introduces new definitions such as "abusive use of conflict," "protective actions," and "willful abandonment," which clarify behaviors that may lead to limitations on a parent's residential time. The court is granted discretion to impose restrictions based on factors like domestic violence, neglect, and substance abuse, and it establishes a rebuttable presumption against granting residential time to parents convicted of certain sex offenses, especially if the child was conceived from a sexual assault. The bill emphasizes the child's best interests and safety, allowing for supervised visitation under specific conditions.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing laws regarding child custody and relocation, streamlining the process for parents seeking to relocate with their children and addressing the rights of military parents. It allows military parents to delegate their visitation rights during their absence and clarifies that temporary disruptions due to military service do not constitute a change in circumstances for custody decisions. The amendments also include provisions for appointing guardians for minors, ensuring that the parent-child relationship is prioritized while maintaining court oversight in decision-making authority. Overall, the bill aims to balance parental rights with the imperative of protecting children's welfare in sensitive situations involving past offenses or potential harm.

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
Engrossed Substitute: 26.09.191, 11.130.215, 26.09.187, 26.09.194, 26.09.260, 26.09.520, 26.12.177
Bill as Passed Legislature: 26.09.191, 11.130.215, 26.09.187, 26.09.194, 26.09.260, 26.09.520, 26.12.177
Session Law: 26.09.191, 11.130.215, 26.09.187, 26.09.194, 26.09.260, 26.09.520, 26.12.177