HB 1439 - DIGEST

Directs the Washington state institute for public policy to review Washington law to determine all areas in Washington law in which the age of consent is statutorily established including but not limited to entering a marriage contract, entering into a legal contractual obligation, executing a will, the ability to vote, making health care decisions, receiving mental health or chemical dependency treatment, and obtaining body piercings or tattoos.

Requires the institute to review available studies and reports pertaining to the ability of a minor to provide consent, including studies on adolescent brain development. The review should include information available on the ability of a minor to understand the long-term effects or consequences of his or her decisions, his or her ability to provide consent at various ages, and at what age a minor is best able to provide consent.

Requires the institute to provide a report to the appropriate legislative committees by December 1, 2007.