FINAL BILL REPORT

                  SSB 5744

                          C 371 L 99

                      Synopsis as Enacted

Brief Description:  Ordering a proposal to provide for representation of parties in child dependency and termination proceedings.

Sponsors:  Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections (originally sponsored by Senators Haugen, Costa, Sheahan and Deccio).

Senate Committee on Human Services & Corrections

House Committee on Judiciary

Background:  Counties have been frustrated at the amount of money they have had to spend in defense costs when they do not control the volume of cases in child dependency and termination proceedings.

Summary:  The public defense office must develop a proposal to address the costs and expenses of legal representation for indigent parents, guardians, legal custodians, and children in dependency and termination hearings under Chapter 13.34 RCW.  The proposal must address cost issues and strategies and be reported to the Legislature.

Votes on Final Passage:

Senate 43 0

House     95 0 (House amended)

Senate    47 0 (Senate concurred)

Effective:  July 25, 1999