The bill amends RCW 13.34.212 to establish a structured schedule for the court appointment of attorneys for children involved in dependency and termination proceedings. It mandates that the court appoint an attorney for a child in a dependency proceeding six months after a petition to terminate parental rights is granted, provided there are no remaining parents with parental rights. The bill allows for the appointment of one attorney for a group of siblings unless there is a conflict of interest. It also outlines the responsibilities of the office of civil legal aid in implementing these provisions and specifies that legal services do not include representation in appellate proceedings related to termination.

Additionally, the bill introduces a phased-in schedule for appointing attorneys for every child in dependency proceedings over an 11-year period, with specific milestones for implementation across various counties. The schedule aims to prioritize counties with no current attorney appointment practices or those with significant racial disparities. The bill also emphasizes the importance of continuity of counsel for children already represented at county expense when the new statewide children's legal representation program is implemented. A new section is included stating that if specific funding for the act is not provided by June 30, 2025, the act will be null and void.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 13.34.212
Bill as Passed Legislature: 13.34.212
Session Law: 13.34.212