Bill > HB1753

This bill addresses the child removal standards related to a parent's use or possession of high-potency synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl. The legislation creates a rebuttable presumption that a child should be removed from a home if a parent uses, possesses, or fails to protect a child from high-potency synthetic opioids. The bill acknowledges that substance use disorder is a medical condition and that individuals with such disorders deserve compassion, while also emphasizing the extreme danger these drugs pose to children. Specifically, the bill modifies existing law to establish that a parent's promise to secure or use these opioids only when the child is not present is not sufficient to prevent child removal. The legislation requires courts to consider the risk of child exposure to high-potency synthetic opioids when making decisions about child placement, with prevention services only being considered if they provide 24-hour supervision of the child. The bill aims to protect children from the potentially fatal risks associated with high-potency synthetic opioids while recognizing the complex medical nature of substance use disorders.

Education

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1753&Year=2025&Initiative=false