H-4203.1  _______________________________________________

                          HOUSE BILL 2760

          _______________________________________________

State of Washington      55th Legislature     1998 Regular Session

By Representatives Mielke, Boldt, Koster and Dunn

Read first time 01/19/98.  Referred to Committee on Children & Family Services.

Regarding legal counsel for foster parents during an investigation.

    AN ACT Relating to legal counsel for foster parents; and adding a new section to chapter 74.13 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1.  A new section is added to chapter 74.13 RCW to read as follows:

    (1) When the department begins an investigation of a foster parent for an alleged improper action the foster parent shall have reasonable access to legal representation paid for by the department.

    (2) The department shall contract with members of the Washington State Bar Association for the legal representation needed to comply with this section.

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