1710 AMH LAMB SHEL 3

HB 1710 ‑ H AMD 076 ADOPTED 3/7/95

By Representative Lambert

     On page 4, after line 33, insert the following section:

     "Sec. 6. RCW 26.12.172 and 1994 c 267 s 5 are each amended to read as follows:

      Any court rules adopted for the implementation of parenting seminars shall include the following provisions:

     (1) In no case shall opposing parties be required to attend seminars together;

     (2) Upon a showing of domestic violence or abuse which would not require mutual decision making pursuant to RCW 26.09.191((, or that a parent's attendance at the seminar is not in the children's best interests)), the court shall ((either:

     (a) Waive the requirement of completion of the seminar; or

     (b) ))provide an alternative((, voluntary)) parenting seminar for battered spouses and for the batterers((; and)).

     (3) The court may waive the seminar for good cause or upon a showing that a parent's attendance at the seminar is not in the children's best interests."

     Correct the title accordingly

EFFECT:  Rather than waive the requirement to attend a parenting seminar in cases of domestic violence, the court must provide an alternative parenting seminar for battered and battering spouses. Courts still may waive the requirement for good cause or because a parent's attendance at the seminar is not in the children's best interests.