FINAL BILL REPORT

                 SHB 1756

                         C 313 L 95

                     Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Changing provisions relating to dependent children.

Sponsors:  House Committee on Children & Family Services (originally sponsored by Representatives Veloria, Cooke, Cody, Lambert, Thibaudeau, Patterson and Costa).

House Committee on Children & Family Services

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

Background:  If a child is found dependent by the court, the child may be placed with a relative or in a foster care home.  Court hearings related to the child's dependency are closed to the general public and the judge may allow a relative caring for the child or the child's foster parent to attend and provide information about the child to the court.

Summary:  The court is required to allow relatives or foster parents caring for a dependent child to attend court proceedings and provide the court with information and evidence about the child to the court, unless the court states on the record why the person should not be allowed to attend.

Votes on Final Passage:

House     98 0

Senate    43 0 (Senate amended)

House     93 0 (House concurred)

Effective Date:  July 23, 1995