HOUSE BILL REPORT

SSB 6814

BYSenate Committee on Children & Family Services (originally sponsored by Senator Smith)

Concerning dependency proceedings and termination of parental rights.

House Committe on Human Services

Majority Report:  Do pass.  (8)

      Signed by Representatives Sayan, Chair; Scott, Vice Chair; Moyer, Ranking Republican Member; Tate, Assistant Ranking Republican Member; Anderson, Brekke, Leonard and Winsley.

Minority Report:  Without recommendation.  (2)

      Signed by Representatives Hargrove and Padden.

House Staff:Dave Knutson (786-7146)

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON HUMAN SERVICES FEBRUARY 21, 1990

BACKGROUND:

Automatic appeals are filed in every case involving the termination of the parent-child relationship.  This can result in lengthy delays in finalizing terminations and providing children with permanent homes.

SUMMARY:

Any notice of appeal or notice for discretionary review related to a proceeding concerning dependency of a child or termination of a parent and child relationship must be signed by the person seeking the review or the person's guardian-ad-litem.  A sworn, written declaration by the person's attorney stating that the person has requested the attorney to file the notice and pursue appellate review is also acceptable.

Fiscal Note:      Requested February 22, 1990.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Lee Ann Miller, Assistant Attorney General; and Barrett and Patricia Knudsen.

House Committee - Testified Against:      Kern Clevin, Washington Criminal Defense Lawyers.

House Committee - Testimony For:    Children should not continue to live in foster care for extended periods because of appellate delays in terminating parent-child relationships.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      A parent's legal relationship with their child should not be quickly or easily terminated.