FINAL BILL REPORT

                  SSB 6113

                           C 21 L 96

                      Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Authorizing the presumption of paternity to be rebutted in an appropriate administrative hearing.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Ways & Means (originally sponsored by Senators Wojahn, Winsley and Smith).

Senate Committee on Law & Justice

Senate Committee on Ways & Means

House Committee on Law & Justice

Background:  In current law, a man is presumed to be the father of a child under a number of circumstances.  He may bring an action in court to rebut the presumption of paternity.  Concern exists that the court process is lengthy and costly.

Summary:  A responsible parent may provide evidence to rebut the presumption of paternity at an adjudicative proceeding.  If the evidence is deemed credible, the Department of Social and Health Services must refer the case to the superior court to determine whether the presumption should be rebutted.  The department is responsible for the cost of the hearing.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate    49 0

House     89 6

Effective:  June 6, 1996