This bill introduces a new section to chapter 26.09 RCW focused on child custody decisions, emphasizing the paramount concern for the health and safety of children, particularly in cases involving domestic violence or child abuse. It mandates that professionals providing recommendations to the court must have substantial training and experience in these areas, and it specifies that a postgraduate degree alone does not qualify someone as an expert in domestic violence. The bill also outlines that courts should not order mental health evaluations in certain custody cases where domestic violence or child abuse is raised, and it requires courts to rely on current scientific research when making custody decisions.

Additionally, the bill establishes clear guidelines for custody arrangements in cases of domestic violence, stipulating that the safe parent should receive sole custody unless there is clear evidence of imminent risk from that parent. It prohibits the use of "high conflict" approaches in custody cases involving domestic violence and mandates evidentiary hearings to assess patterns of domestic violence early in the proceedings. The legislation also calls for specialized training for judges and guardians ad litem on the new practices and encourages the use of domestic violence advocates to provide training to court personnel. Overall, the bill aims to correct ineffective practices in custody decisions and enhance the protection of children in potentially harmful situations.