HOUSE BILL ANALYSIS
HB 1990 
Title: An act relating to the definition of child abuse.
Brief Description: Revising the definition of child abuse to include temporary abandonment.
Sponsors: Representatives Doumit, Tokuda, H. Sommers, Sullivan, Clements, Keiser, Hatfield, Blalock, Benson, Skinner, O'Brien, Cooke and Anderson.
HOUSE COMMITTEE ON
CHILDREN & FAMILY SERVICES
Meeting Date: February 25, 1997.
Bill Analysis Prepared by: Doug Ruth (786-7134).
Background: Washington does not have a specific statute regarding young children who are left alone for extended periods of time. If a child is permanently abandoned, the state may charge the person with family abandonment under chapter 26.20 RCW. This crime requires that the person intended to abandon the child. For cases where intent to abandon does not exist, the state may act only if the person=s action falls with in the definition of child abuse and neglect. Child abuse and neglect is defined as:
AThe injury, sexual abuse, sexual exploitation, negligent treatment, or maltreatment of a child, adult dependent, or developmentally disabled person by any person under circumstances which indicate that the child's or adult's health, welfare, and safety is harmed. An abused child is a child who has been subjected to child abuse or neglect as defined herein.@
The definition of negligent treatment or maltreatment is:
Aan act or omission which evidences a serious disregard of consequences of such magnitude as to constitute a clear and present danger to the child's health, welfare, and safety.@
Summary of Bill: Acts of Atemporary abandonment@ are added to the definition of child abuse and neglect. ATemporary abandonment@ is defined as Arecklessly leaving a child under the age of ten years unattended in or at any place for such period of time as may be substantially likely to endanger the health, welfare, or safety of the child.@
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: None requested.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.