H-4698.1  _______________________________________________

                          HOUSE BILL 2937

          _______________________________________________

State of Washington      54th Legislature     1996 Regular Session

By Representatives Mulliken, Stevens, McMahan, Smith and Thompson

Read first time 01/30/96.  Referred to Committee on Law & Justice.

Adopting the restoration of parents' rights and responsibilities act.

    AN ACT Relating to protecting and promoting the rights and responsibilities of parents; adding a new section to chapter 4.24 RCW; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  A new section is added to chapter 4.24 RCW to read as follows:

    (1) The legislature recognizes: (a) The fundamental rights and responsibilities of parents to exercise legitimate care, custody, and control over the upbringing of their children; (b) the traditional role of the family unit as the primary provider, protector, and promoter of the health, safety, and well-being of children and the basic values and character traits essential for attaining individual liberty, fulfillment, and happiness; (c) that upholding the rights and responsibilities of parents is in the best interest of families and children of Washington state; and (d) the duty of government to adequately support the reasonable attempts of parents to train, discipline, and prepare their children to be productive, law-abiding citizens.

    (2) This section is intended to ensure that:  (a) The rights of parents to rightfully manage and direct the affairs of their minor or dependent children are protected; (b) parents meet the responsibilities inherent in bearing and raising young children; (c) government appropriately respects and reinforces these rights and responsibilities; and (d) parents are supported in furthering the important values of (i) honesty, integrity, and trust; (ii) respect for self and others; (iii) responsibility for personal actions and commitments; (iv) self-discipline and moderation; (v) diligence and a positive work ethic; (vi) respect for law and authority; (vii) healthy and constructive behavior; and (viii) family as the basis of society.

    (3) Nothing in this section shall be construed to prevent a prosecution for abuse, neglect, or other crime as defined by law.

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  This act shall be known and cited as the restoration of parents' rights and responsibilities act of 1996.

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