Bill > SB6236

This bill modifies existing laws related to child safety by expanding the grounds for removing a child from their home, particularly concerning substance abuse. It clarifies that the use or possession of Schedule I or II controlled substances (excluding cannabis) by a parent, guardian, or legal custodian, if not obtained through a valid prescription, constitutes reasonable grounds to believe removal is necessary to prevent imminent or serious physical harm to the child. This applies even if the parent promises to secure or only use the substances when the child is not present. The bill also adjusts the standard for taking a child into custody from "probable cause" to "reasonable cause" and broadens the definition of harm to include "serious" harm, not just "imminent" harm. Additionally, it introduces a requirement for parents to demonstrate at least six months of sobriety through random drug testing before a child can be returned to their care if the removal was based on risks associated with controlled substance use. The bill also emphasizes the importance of maintaining sibling relationships and ensures that certain factors, like poverty or parental disability, do not solely justify removal.

Labor and Employment

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=6236&Year=2025&Initiative=false