SENATE BILL REPORT

                   SB 5202

                    As of February 14, 1997

Title:  An act relating to child support enforcement.

Brief Description:  Setting a time limit for an alleged father who denies being a responsible parent to request genetic testing.

Sponsors:  Senators Roach, Fairley, Johnson, Winsley, Benton, Oke and Haugen.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Law & Justice:  2/18/97.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Staff:  Mychal Schwartz (786-7444)

Background:  In response to a notice of finding of parental responsibility, an alleged father may request that a genetic test or blood test be administered to determine paternity at any time. 

Upon receipt of the test results, the alleged father must petition for the initiation of an action to determine the existence of the parent-child relationship.  If the alleged father fails to petition for initiation of the court action or if he fails to appear and cooperate with the testing, the notice of parental responsibility becomes final and may be overturned only by the superior court pursuant to RCW 26.26.060.

Summary of Bill:  Within one year from the date of being served a finding of parental responsibility notice, an alleged father may request a genetic test be administered to determine paternity.

Pursuant to the completion of the genetic testing, the alleged father may contest the issue of parentage presumed under this section at any time, regardless of the finality of the notice of parental responsibility.

The Office of Support Enforcement is now called the Division of Child Support.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.