SENATE BILL REPORT

                            SB 6288

                    AS OF JANUARY 21, 1994

Brief Description:  Providing penalties for false accusations of child abuse or neglect.

SPONSORS: Senators A. Smith, Oke, Roach and Quigley

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Staff:  Susan Carlson (786‑7418)

Hearing Dates: January 25, 1994

BACKGROUND:

Child custody proceedings that involve allegations of child abuse or neglect often result in lengthy court proceedings and increased attorneys' fees.  It has been suggested that a remedy should be provided for making knowingly false accusations.

SUMMARY:

In a child custody proceeding, if the court determines that an accusation of child abuse or neglect is false, and the person making the accusation knew it to be false, the court may impose a monetary penalty up to $1,000 against the person making the accusation.  The court may also order payment of reasonable attorney's fees incurred in recovering the penalty.  Person includes a witness, a party, or a party's attorney.

Appropriation:  none

Revenue:  none

Fiscal Note:  none requested