HB 3051-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

Provides that, whenever the court or the petitioning party in a proceeding under chapter 26.10 RCW knows or has reason to know that an Indian child is involved, the petitioning party must promptly provide notice to the child's parent or Indian custodian and to the agent designated by the child's Indian tribe to receive such notices. Notice shall be by registered mail with return receipt requested.

Provides that, if the identity or location of the parent or Indian custodian and the tribe cannot be determined, notice shall be given to the secretary of the interior by registered mail with return receipt requested.

Requires the notice to: (1) Contain a statement notifying the parent or custodian and the tribe of the pending proceeding; and

(2) Notify the tribe of the tribe's right to intervene and/or request that the case be transferred to tribal court.

Provides that no termination, relinquishment, or placement proceeding shall be held until at least ten days after receipt of notice by the tribe. If the tribe requests, the court shall grant the tribe up to twenty additional days to prepare for such proceeding.