The bill amends the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) to enhance protections for children in parenting plans, particularly in cases involving harmful behaviors by parents, such as abuse or sex offenses. It establishes that courts can impose limitations on a parent's residential time if they engage in conduct that endangers the child's well-being, including willful abandonment, physical or emotional abuse, or a history of domestic violence. New definitions are introduced for terms like "abusive use of conflict" and "protective actions," which clarify the behaviors that may warrant restrictions. The bill also creates a rebuttable presumption against granting residential time to parents convicted of sex offenses, particularly if the child was conceived as a result of such an offense, and outlines conditions under which this presumption can be rebutted.

Additionally, the bill emphasizes the importance of the child's safety in custody arrangements, allowing for emergency orders to suspend residential time if there are threats of harm. It mandates that any supervised contact must be overseen by a neutral adult capable of protecting the child and specifies that unsupervised contact can only be granted after a two-year period of successful supervised contact. The legislation also addresses decision-making authority in parenting plans, stating that mutual decision-making is not required if a parent has been convicted of a sex offense against a child. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen the legal framework surrounding child custody and visitation, ensuring that the best interests of the child are prioritized while addressing the unique challenges posed by abusive behaviors and military service.

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