SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 6221

              AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 15, 1994

Brief Description:  Authorizing genetic testing to determine parentage.

SPONSORS: Senators A. Smith and Quigley

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Majority Report:  Do pass. 

     Signed by Senators A. Smith, Chairman; Ludwig, Vice Chairman; Hargrove, Nelson, Quigley, Roach, Schow and Spanel.

Staff:  Susan Mahoney (786‑7717)

Hearing Dates: January 26, 1994

BACKGROUND:

In Washington State, blood and genetic testing are regularly used in the determination of paternity.  In cases where paternity is contested, Washington law allows for the court to compel blood testing.  At the time the current statutes regarding the use of blood tests were enacted, blood testing was the only available method.  Advances in science and technology have since expanded and enhanced the methods of testing available to help in paternity determinations.  These methods include various types of genetic tests of blood, tissues, and/or other bodily fluids which are now routinely used and accepted by the scientific community.

SUMMARY:

The statutes relating to the determination of paternity are amended to allow for the use of genetic tests and blood tests as scientific methods of testing.

Appropriation:  none 

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested

TESTIMONY FOR:

The revisions bring the statutes up to date with scientific technology and will be useful to the courts in determination of paternity cases.

TESTIMONY AGAINST:  None

TESTIFIED:  John Ladenburg, Pierce County Prosecutor