title: RCW 26.44.185

text:
(1) Each county shall revise and expand its existing child sexual abuse investigation protocol to address investigations of child fatality, child physical abuse, and criminal child neglect cases and to incorporate the statewide guidelines for first responders to child fatalities developed by the criminal justice training commission. The protocols shall address the coordination of child fatality, child physical abuse, and criminal child neglect investigations between the county and city prosecutor's offices, law enforcement, children's protective services, children's advocacy centers, where available, local advocacy groups, emergency medical services, and any other local agency involved in the investigation of such cases. The protocol shall include the handling of child forensic interview audio and video recordings in accordance with RCW 26.44.186. The protocol revision and expansion shall be developed by the prosecuting attorney in collaboration with the agencies referenced in this section.
(2) Revised and expanded protocols under this section shall be adopted and in place by July 1, 2008. Thereafter, the protocols shall be reviewed every two years to determine whether modifications are needed.
[ 2018 c 171 s 5; 2010 c 176 s 3; 2007 c 410 s 3.]
Notes:
Effective date—2018 c 171: See note following RCW 26.44.188.
Short title—2007 c 410: See note following RCW 13.34.138.

catchline: Investigation of child sexual abuse—Revision and expansion of protocols—Child fatality, child physical abuse, and criminal child neglect cases.


doc_type: statute

jurisdiction: wa

title: RCW 26.44.186

text:
(1) Any and all audio and video recordings of child forensic interviews disclosed in a criminal or civil proceeding must be subject to a protective order, or other such order, unless the court finds good cause that the interview should not be subject to such an order. The protective order shall include the following: (a) That the recording be used only for the purposes of conducting the party's side of the case, unless otherwise agreed by the parties or ordered by the court; (b) that the recording not be copied, photographed, duplicated, or otherwise reproduced except as a written transcript that does not reveal the identity of the child; (c) that the recording not be given, displayed, or in any way provided to a third party, except as permitted in (d) or (e) of this subsection or as necessary at trial; (d) that the recording remain in the exclusive custody of the attorneys, their employees, or agents, including expert witnesses retained by either party, who shall be provided a copy of the protective order; (e) that, if the party is not represented by an attorney, the party, their employees, and agents, including expert witnesses, shall not be given a copy of the recording but shall be given reasonable access to view the recording by the custodian of the recording; and (f) that upon termination of representation or upon disposition of the matter at the trial court level, attorneys and other custodians of recordings promptly return all copies of the recording.
(2) A violation of a court order pursuant to this section is subject to a civil penalty of up to ten thousand dollars, in addition to any other appropriate sanction by the court.
(3) Nothing in this section is intended to restrict the ability of the department or law enforcement to share child welfare information as authorized or required by state or federal law.
[ 2018 c 171 s 6.]
Notes:
Effective date—2018 c 171: See note following RCW 26.44.188.

license: public-domain-government-work

rule_set: Revised Code of Washington

catchline: Child forensic interview recordings disclosed in a criminal or civil proceeding subject to protective order—Civil penalties and sanctions.

code: rcw

unit: section

court: Washington State Legislature


title: RCW 26.44.187

text:
Any and all audio and video recordings of child forensic interviews as defined in this chapter are exempt from disclosure under the public records act, chapter 42.56 RCW. Such recordings are confidential under chapter 13.50 RCW and federal law and may only be disclosed pursuant to a court order entered upon a showing of good cause and with advance notice to the child's parent, guardian, or legal custodian. However, if the child is an emancipated minor or has attained the age of majority as defined in RCW 26.28.010, advance notice must be to the child. Failure to disclose an audio or video recording of a child forensic interview as defined in this chapter is not grounds for penalties or other sanctions available under chapter 42.56 RCW or RCW 13.50.100(10). Nothing in this section is intended to restrict the ability of the department or law enforcement to share child welfare information as authorized or required by state or federal law.
[ 2018 c 171 s 4.]
Notes:
Effective date—2018 c 171: See note following RCW 26.44.188.

catchline: Child forensic interviews—Audio/video recordings exempt from disclosure under public records act—Court order required for disclosure.


title: RCW 26.44.188

text:
The legislature recognizes an inherent privacy interest that a child has with respect to the child's recorded voice and image when describing the highly sensitive details of abuse or neglect upon the child as defined in RCW 26.44.020. The legislature further finds that reasonable restrictions on the dissemination of these recordings can accommodate both privacy interests and due process. To that end, the legislature intends to exempt these recordings from dissemination under the public records act and provide additional sanction authority for violations of protective orders that set forth such terms and conditions as are necessary to protect the privacy of the child.
[ 2018 c 171 s 1.]
Notes:
Effective date—2018 c 171: "Except for section 3 of this act, this act is necessary for the immediate preservation of the public peace, health, or safety, or support of the state government and its existing public institutions, and takes effect immediately [March 22, 2018]." [ 2018 c 171 s 11.]

catchline: Finding—Intent—Restrictions on dissemination of child forensic interview recordings.


title: RCW 26.44.189

text:
(1) Statewide and regional peer review of child forensic interviews serve as quality assurance mechanisms that reinforce the methodologies utilized in child forensic interviewing and provide support and problem solving for participants.
(2) Child forensic interview recordings of closed cases may be used as part of a structured and confidential peer review, if hosted by an accredited or developing children's advocacy center or the children's advocacy centers of Washington. Any information reviewed or discussed during the peer review process is and must remain confidential and must not be disclosed except where authorized under state or federal law. The hosting organization's policies regarding interview selection criteria and parent, guardian, or caregiver consent must be followed. All participants in a peer review must sign a confidentiality agreement that:
(a) Prohibits verbal or written disclosure of any information received in any peer review process; and
(b) Requires disclosure of any personal, professional, or social acquaintance with anyone associated with the case before attending a peer review session.
[ 2025 c 75 s 3.]
Notes:
Findings—2025 c 75: See note following RCW 26.44.020.

catchline: Child forensic interview peer reviews—Confidentiality agreements.


title: RCW 26.44.190

text:
A law enforcement agency shall not allow a law enforcement officer to participate as an investigator in the investigation of alleged abuse or neglect concerning a child for whom the law enforcement officer is, or has been, a parent, guardian, or foster parent. This section is not intended to limit the authority or duty of a law enforcement officer to report, testify, or be examined as authorized or required by this chapter, or to perform other official duties as a law enforcement officer.
[ 1999 c 389 s 9.]
Notes:
Findings—Intent—1999 c 389 s 9: "The legislature finds that the parent, guardian, or foster parent of a child who may be the victim of abuse or neglect may become involved in the investigation of the abuse or neglect. The parent, guardian, or foster parent may also be made a party to later court proceedings and be subject to a court-ordered examination by a physician, psychologist, or psychiatrist. It is the intent of the legislature by enacting section 9 of this act to avoid actual or perceived conflicts of interest that may occur when the parent, guardian, or foster parent is also a law enforcement officer and is assigned to conduct the investigation of alleged abuse or neglect concerning the child." [ 1999 c 389 s 8.]

catchline: Investigation of child abuse or neglect—Participation by law enforcement officer.


title: RCW 26.44.195

text:
(1) If the department, upon investigation of a report that a child has been abused or neglected as defined in this chapter, determines that the child has been subject to negligent treatment or maltreatment, the department may offer services to the child's parents, guardians, or legal custodians to: (a) Ameliorate the conditions that endangered the welfare of the child; or (b) address or treat the effects of mistreatment or neglect upon the child.
(2) When evaluating whether the child has been subject to negligent treatment or maltreatment, evidence of a parent's substance abuse as a contributing factor to a parent's failure to provide for a child's basic health, welfare, or safety shall be given great weight.
(3) If the child's parents, guardians, or legal custodians are available and willing to participate on a voluntary basis in in-home services, and the department determines that in-home services on a voluntary basis are appropriate for the family, the department may offer such services.
(4) In cases where the department has offered appropriate and reasonable services under subsection (1) of this section, and the parents, guardians, or legal custodians refuse to accept or fail to obtain available and appropriate treatment or services, or are unable or unwilling to participate in or successfully and substantially complete the treatment or services identified by the department, the department may initiate a dependency proceeding under chapter 13.34 RCW on the basis that the negligent treatment or maltreatment by the parent, guardian, or legal custodian constitutes neglect. When evaluating whether to initiate a dependency proceeding on this basis, the evidence of a parent's substance abuse as a contributing factor to the negligent treatment or maltreatment shall be given great weight.
(5) Nothing in this section precludes the department from filing a dependency petition as provided in chapter 13.34 RCW if it determines that such action is necessary to protect the child from abuse or neglect.
(6) Nothing in this section shall be construed to create in any person an entitlement to services or financial assistance in paying for services or to create judicial authority to order the provision of services to any person or family if the services are unavailable or unsuitable or if the child or family is not eligible for such services.
[ 2005 c 512 s 6.]
Notes:
Finding—Intent—Effective date—Short title—2005 c 512: See notes following RCW 26.44.100.

catchline: Negligent treatment or maltreatment—Offer of services—Evidence of substance abuse—In-home services—Initiation of dependency proceedings.


title: RCW 26.44.200

text:
A law enforcement agency in the course of investigating: (1) An allegation under RCW 69.50.401 (1) and (2) (a) through (e) relating to manufacture of methamphetamine; or (2) an allegation under RCW 69.50.440 relating to possession of ephedrine or any of its salts or isomers or salts of isomers, pseudoephedrine or any of its salts or isomers or salts of isomers, pressurized ammonia gas, or pressurized ammonia gas solution with intent to manufacture methamphetamine, that discovers a child present at the site, shall contact the department immediately.
[ 2009 c 520 s 18; 2002 c 134 s 4; 2001 c 52 s 3.]
Notes:
Effective date—2002 c 134: See note following RCW 69.50.440.
Finding—Construction—2001 c 52: See notes following RCW 13.34.350.

catchline: Methamphetamine manufacture—Presence of child.


title: RCW 26.44.210

text:
(1)(a) The department shall investigate all referrals of alleged child abuse or neglect occurring at the Washington center for deaf and hard of hearing youth, substance use disorder treatment facilities licensed under chapter 71.24 RCW that treat patients on a residential basis, entities that provide behavioral health services as defined in RCW 71.24.025 on a residential basis, host homes as described in RCW 74.15.020(2)(o), residential private schools as defined in this section, and family home providers located in the surrounding metropolitan area of a federal military reservation as described in *RCW 43.216.010(2)(m).
(b) After investigating an allegation of child abuse or neglect under this section, the department shall determine whether there is a finding of abuse or neglect, and determine whether a referral to law enforcement is appropriate under this chapter.
(c) The department must adopt rules to implement this section.
(d) Any facilities referenced under (a) of this subsection where the department is investigating child abuse or neglect shall share records and any other information that is relevant to the department's investigation. Any records or information shared with the department retains any otherwise existing confidentiality protections under state or federal law.
(2) The department must send a copy of the investigation report, including the finding, regarding any incidents of alleged child abuse or neglect to the administration of the facility in which the incident occurred and to the state agency which provides licensure, oversight, or accreditation to the program at the facility in which the incident occurred.
(3) "Residential private school" means a nonpublic school or nonpublic school district subject to approval by the state board of education pursuant to RCW 28A.305.130 and chapter 28A.195 RCW that provides sleeping and living facilities or residential accommodations for enrolled students.
[ 2025 c 181 s 2; 2023 c 441 s 3; 2019 c 266 s 13; 2009 c 381 s 23; 2002 c 208 s 1.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 43.216.010 was amended by 2026 c 54 s 1, changing subsection (2)(m) to subsection (2)(n).
Effective date—2023 c 441 s 3: "Section 3 of this act takes effect January 1, 2024." [ 2023 c 441 s 9.]
Finding—Intent—2023 c 441: See note following RCW 74.15.325.
Findings—Intent—2009 c 381: See note following RCW 72.40.015.

catchline: Alleged child abuse or neglect at certain facilities and schools—Investigation by department—Investigation report.


title: RCW 26.44.220

text:
(1) Within existing resources, the department shall develop a curriculum designed to train department staff who assess or provide services to adolescents on how to screen and respond to referrals to child protective services when those referrals may involve victims of abuse or neglect between the ages of eleven and eighteen. At a minimum, the curriculum developed pursuant to this section shall include:
(a) Review of relevant laws and regulations, including the requirement that the department investigate complaints if a parent's or caretaker's actions result in serious physical or emotional harm or present an imminent risk of serious harm to any person under eighteen;
(b) Review of departmental policies that require assessment and screening of abuse and neglect referrals on the basis of risk and not age;
(c) Explanation of safety assessment and risk assessment models;
(d) Case studies of situations in which the department has received reports of alleged abuse or neglect of older children and adolescents;
(e) Discussion of best practices in screening and responding to referrals involving older children and adolescents; and
(f) Discussion of how abuse and neglect referrals related to adolescents are investigated and when law enforcement must be notified.
(2) As it develops its curriculum pursuant to this section, the department shall request that the office of the family and children's ombuds review and comment on its proposed training materials. The department shall consider the comments and recommendations of the office of the family and children's ombuds as it develops the curriculum required by this section.
(3) The department shall complete the curriculum materials required by this section no later than December 31, 2005.
(4) Within existing resources, the department shall incorporate training on the curriculum developed pursuant to this section into existing training for child protective services workers who screen intake calls, department staff responsible for assessing or providing services to older children and adolescents, and all new employees of the department responsible for assessing or providing services to older children and adolescents.
[ 2018 c 58 s 46; 2013 c 23 s 44; 2005 c 345 s 1.]
Notes:
Effective date—2018 c 58: See note following RCW 28A.655.080.

catchline: Abuse of adolescents—Staff training curriculum.


title: RCW 26.44.240

text:
(1) During an emergency situation when a child must be placed in out-of-home care due to the absence of appropriate parents or custodians, the department shall, or an authorized agency of a federally recognized tribe may, request a federal name-based criminal history record check of each adult residing in the home of the potential placement resource. Upon receipt of the results of the name-based check, the department shall, or an authorized agency of a federally recognized tribe may, provide a complete set of each adult resident's fingerprints to the Washington state patrol for submission to the federal bureau of investigation within fifteen calendar days from the date the name search was conducted. The child shall be removed from the home immediately if any adult resident fails to provide fingerprints and written permission to perform a federal criminal history record check when requested.
(2) When placement of a child in a home is denied as a result of a name-based criminal history record check of a resident, and the resident contests that denial, the resident shall, within fifteen calendar days, submit to the department or an authorized agency of a federally recognized tribe a complete set of the resident's fingerprints with written permission allowing the department or an authorized agency of a federally recognized tribe to forward the fingerprints to the Washington state patrol for submission to the federal bureau of investigation.
(3) The Washington state patrol and the federal bureau of investigation may each charge a reasonable fee for processing a fingerprint-based criminal history record check.
(4) As used in this section, "emergency placement" refers to those limited instances when the department or an authorized agency of a federally recognized tribe is placing a child in the home of private individuals, including neighbors, friends, or relatives, as a result of a sudden unavailability of the child's primary caretaker.
[ 2016 c 49 s 1; 2008 c 232 s 2.]
Notes:
Finding—2008 c 232: "The legislature finds that the safety of children in foster care depends upon receipt of comprehensive, accurate, and timely information about the background of prospective foster parents. It is vital to ensure that all relevant information about prospective foster parents is received and carefully reviewed. The legislature believes that some foster parents may have previously resided in other countries and that it is important to determine whether those countries have background information on the prospective foster parents that might impact the safety of children in their care." [ 2008 c 232 s 1.]

catchline: Out-of-home care—Emergency placement—Criminal history record check.


title: RCW 26.44.250

text:
A law enforcement officer shall promptly notify child protective services whenever a child is present in a vehicle being driven by his or her parent, guardian, or legal custodian and that person is being arrested for a drug or alcohol-related driving offense. This section does not require law enforcement to take custody of the child unless there is no other responsible person, or an agency having the right to physical custody of the child that can be contacted, or the officer has reasonable grounds to believe the child should be taken into custody pursuant to RCW 13.34.050 or 26.44.050. For purposes of this section, "child" means any person under thirteen years of age.
[ 2010 c 214 s 2.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: The same language was codified under RCW 46.61.507 pursuant to 2010 c 214 s 1. However, RCW 46.61.507 was further amended by 2012 c 42 s 1 without amendment to this section.

catchline: Arrest upon drug or alcohol-related driving offense—Child protective services notified if child is present and operator is a parent, guardian, or custodian.


title: RCW 26.44.260

text:
(1) No later than December 1, 2013, the department shall implement the family assessment response. The department may implement the family assessment response on a phased-in basis, by geographical area.
(2) The department shall develop an implementation plan in consultation with stakeholders, including tribes. The department shall submit a report of the implementation plan to the appropriate committees of the legislature by December 31, 2012. At a minimum, the following must be developed before implementation and included in the report to the legislature:
(a) Description of the family assessment response practice model;
(b) Identification of possible additional noninvestigative responses or pathways;
(c) Development of an intake screening tool and a family assessment tool specifically to be used in the family assessment response. The family assessment tool must, at minimum, evaluate the safety of the child and determine services needed by the family to improve or restore family well-being;
(d) Delineation of staff training requirements;
(e) Development of strategies to reduce disproportionality;
(f) Development of strategies to assist and connect families with the appropriate private or public housing support agencies, for those parents whose inability to obtain or maintain safe housing creates a risk of harm to the child, risk of out-of-home placement of the child, or a barrier to reunification;
(g) Identification of methods to involve local community partners in the development of community-based resources to meet families' needs. Local community partners may include, but are not limited to: Alumni of the foster care system and veteran parents, local private service delivery agencies, schools, local health departments and other health care providers, juvenile court, law enforcement, office of public defense social workers or local defense attorneys, domestic violence victims advocates, and other available community-based entities;
(h) Delineation of procedures to assure continuous quality assurance;
(i) Identification of current departmental expenditures for services appropriate for the family assessment response, to the greatest practicable extent;
(j) Identification of philanthropic funding and other private funding available to supplement public resources in response to identified family needs;
(k) Mechanisms to involve the child's Washington state tribe, if any, in any family assessment response, when the child subject to the family assessment response is an Indian child, as defined in RCW 13.38.040;
(l) A potential phase-in schedule if proposed; and
(m) Recommendations for legislative action required to implement the plan.
[ 2012 c 259 s 2.]

catchline: Family assessment response.


title: RCW 26.44.270

text:
(1) Within ten days of the conclusion of the family assessment, the department must meet with the child's parent or guardian to discuss the recommendation for services to address child safety concerns or significant risk of subsequent child maltreatment.
(2) If the parent or guardian disagrees with the department's recommendation regarding the provision of services, the department shall convene a family team decision-making meeting to discuss the recommendations and objections. The caseworker's supervisor and area administrator shall attend the meeting.
(3) If the department determines, based on the results of the family assessment, that services are not recommended then the department shall close the family assessment response case.
[ 2012 c 259 s 6.]
Notes:
Effective date—2012 c 259 ss 1 and 3-10: See note following RCW 26.44.020.

catchline: Family assessment—Recommendation of services.


title: RCW 26.44.272

text:
(1) The family assessment response worker must assess for child safety and child well-being when collaborating with a family to determine the need for child care, preschool, or home visiting services and, as appropriate, the family assessment response worker must refer children to preschool programs that are enrolled in the early achievers program and rate at a level 3, 4, or 5 unless:
(a) The family lives in an area with no local preschool programs that rate at a level 3, 4, or 5 in the early achievers program;
(b) The local preschool programs that rate at a level 3, 4, or 5 in the early achievers program are not able to meet the needs of the child; or
(c) The child is attending a preschool program prior to participating in family assessment response and the parent or caregiver does not want the child to change preschool programs.
(2) The family assessment response worker may make child care referrals for nonschool-aged children to licensed child care programs that rate at a level 3, 4, or 5 in the early achievers program described in *RCW 43.215.100 unless:
(a) The family lives in an area with no local programs that rate at level 3, 4, or 5 in the early achievers program;
(b) The local child care programs that rate at a level 3, 4, or 5 in the early achievers program are not able to meet the needs of the child; or
(c) The child is attending a child care program prior to participating in family assessment response and the parent or caregiver does not want the child to change child care programs.
(3) The family assessment response worker shall, when appropriate, provide referrals to high quality child care and early learning programs.
(4) The family assessment response worker shall, when appropriate, provide referrals to state and federally subsidized programs such as, but not limited to, licensed child care programs that receive state subsidy pursuant to *RCW 43.215.135; early childhood education and assistance programs; head start programs; and early head start programs.
(5) Prior to closing the family assessment response case, the family assessment response worker must, when appropriate, discuss child care and early learning services with the child's parent or caregiver.
If the family plans to use child care or early learning services, the family assessment response worker must work with the family to facilitate enrollment.
[ 2014 c 160 s 1.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 43.215.100 and 43.215.135 were recodified as RCW 43.216.085 and 43.216.135, respectively, pursuant to 2017 3rd sp.s. c 6 s 821, effective July 1, 2018.

catchline: Family assessment—Assessment for child safety and well-being—Referral to preschool, child care, or early learning programs—Communicating with and assisting families.


title: RCW 26.44.275

text:
(1) The department must use a validated assessment tool to screen a child for commercial sexual abuse of a minor if a report of abuse and neglect under RCW 26.44.030 alleges commercial sexual abuse of a minor.
(2) Whenever there is reasonable cause to believe that a child under the jurisdiction of a juvenile justice agency has suffered commercial sexual abuse of a minor, the juvenile justice agency must use a validated assessment tool to screen the child for commercial sexual abuse of a minor and report such abuse and neglect pursuant to RCW 26.44.030.
(3) For purposes of this section, "juvenile justice agency" means any of the following: Law enforcement; diversion units; juvenile courts; detention centers; and persons or public or private agencies having children committed to their custody.
[ 2024 c 298 s 7.]
Notes:
Effective date—2024 c 298: See note following RCW 9A.40.100.

catchline: Commercial sexual abuse—Use of validated assessment tool to screen.


title: RCW 26.44.280

text:
Consistent with the paramount concern of the department to protect the child's interests of basic nurture, physical and mental health, and safety, and the requirement that the child's health and safety interests prevail over conflicting legal interests of a parent, custodian, or guardian, the liability of governmental entities, and their officers, agents, employees, and volunteers, to parents, custodians, or guardians accused of abuse or neglect is limited as provided in RCW 4.24.595.
[ 2012 c 259 s 14.]

catchline: Liability limited.


title: RCW 26.44.290

text:
(1) When a caseworker or other employee of the department responds to an allegation of child abuse or neglect that is screened in and open for investigation and there is a subsequent allegation of abuse or neglect resulting in a near fatality within one year of the initial allegation that is screened in and open for investigation, the department is to immediately conduct a review of the caseworker's and caseworker's supervisor's case files and actions taken during the initial report of alleged child abuse or neglect. The purpose of the review is to determine if there were any errors by the employees under department policy, rule, or state statute. If any violations of policy, rule, or statute are found, the department is to conduct a formal employee investigation.
(2) A review conducted under this section is subject to the restrictions of RCW 74.13.640(4).
(3) "Near fatality" has the same meaning as in RCW 74.13.640.
[ 2015 c 298 s 2.]
Notes:
Short title—2015 c 298: "This act may be known and cited as Aiden's act." [ 2015 c 298 s 3.]

catchline: Near fatalities—Review of case files—Investigation.


title: RCW 26.44.901

text:
Nothing in this chapter may be construed to limit the department's authority to offer or provide prevention services or primary prevention services as defined in chapters 13.34 and 74.13 RCW, respectively.
[ 2019 c 172 s 16.]

catchline: Construction—Prevention services.


title: RCW 26.51.010

text:
The legislature recognizes that individuals who abuse their intimate partners often misuse court proceedings in order to control, harass, intimidate, coerce, and/or impoverish the abused partner. Court proceedings can provide a means for an abuser to exert and reestablish power and control over a domestic violence survivor long after a relationship has ended. The legal system unwittingly becomes another avenue that abusers exploit to cause psychological, emotional, and financial devastation. This misuse of the court system by abusers has been referred to as legal bullying, stalking through the courts, paper abuse, and similar terms. The legislature finds that the term "abusive litigation" is the most common term and that it accurately describes this problem. Abusive litigation against domestic violence survivors arises in a variety of contexts. Family law cases such as dissolutions, legal separations, parenting plan actions or modifications, and protection order proceedings are particularly common forums for abusive litigation. It is also not uncommon for abusers to file civil lawsuits against survivors, such as defamation, tort, or breach of contract claims. Even if a lawsuit is meritless, forcing a survivor to spend time, money, and emotional resources responding to the action provides a means for the abuser to assert power and control over the survivor.
The legislature finds that courts have considerable authority to respond to abusive litigation tactics, while upholding litigants' constitutional rights to access to the courts. Because courts have inherent authority to control the conduct of litigants, they have considerable discretion to fashion creative remedies in order to curb abusive litigation. The legislature intends to provide the courts with an additional tool to curb abusive litigation and to mitigate the harms abusive litigation perpetuates.
[ 2020 c 311 s 1.]

catchline: Findings—Intent.


title: RCW 26.51.020

text:
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Abusive litigation" means litigation where the following apply:
(a)(i) The opposing parties have a current or former intimate partner relationship;
(ii) The party who is filing, initiating, advancing, or continuing the litigation has been found by a court to have committed domestic violence against the other party pursuant to: (A) An order entered under chapter 7.105 RCW or former chapter 26.50 RCW; (B) a parenting plan with restrictions based on RCW 26.09.191(4)(a)(iii); or (C) a restraining order entered under chapter 26.09, 26.26A, or 26.26B RCW, provided that the issuing court made a specific finding that the restraining order was necessary due to domestic violence; and
(iii) The litigation is being initiated, advanced, or continued primarily for the purpose of harassing, intimidating, or maintaining contact with the other party; and
(b) At least one of the following factors apply:
(i) Claims, allegations, and other legal contentions made in the litigation are not warranted by existing law or by a reasonable argument for the extension, modification, or reversal of existing law, or the establishment of new law;
(ii) Allegations and other factual contentions made in the litigation are without the existence of evidentiary support; or
(iii) An issue or issues that are the basis of the litigation have previously been filed in one or more other courts or jurisdictions and the actions have been litigated and disposed of unfavorably to the party filing, initiating, advancing, or continuing the litigation.
(2) "Intimate partner" is defined in RCW 7.105.010.
(3) "Litigation" means any kind of legal action or proceeding including, but not limited to: (a) Filing a summons, complaint, demand, or petition; (b) serving a summons, complaint, demand, or petition, regardless of whether it has been filed; (c) filing a motion, notice of court date, note for motion docket, or order to appear; (d) serving a motion, notice of court date, note for motion docket, or order to appear, regardless of whether it has been filed or scheduled; (e) filing a subpoena, subpoena duces tecum, request for interrogatories, request for production, notice of deposition, or other discovery request; or (f) serving a subpoena, subpoena duces tecum, request for interrogatories, request for production, notice of deposition, or other discovery request.
(4) "Perpetrator of abusive litigation" means a person who files, initiates, advances, or continues litigation in violation of an order restricting abusive litigation.
[ 2025 c 166 s 9. Prior: 2021 c 215 s 143; 2021 c 65 s 103; 2020 c 311 s 2.]
Notes:
Effective date—2022 c 268; 2021 c 215: See note following RCW 7.105.900.
Explanatory statement—2021 c 65: See note following RCW 53.54.030.

catchline: Definitions.


title: RCW 26.51.030

text:
(1) A party to a case may request from the court an order restricting abusive litigation if the parties are current or former intimate partners and one party has been found by the court to have committed domestic violence against the other party:
(a) In any answer or response to the litigation being filed, initiated, advanced, or continued;
(b) By motion made at any time during any open or ongoing case; or
(c) By separate motion made under this chapter, within five years of the entry of an order for protection even if the order has since expired.
(2) Any court of competent jurisdiction may, on its own motion, determine that a hearing pursuant to RCW 26.51.040 is necessary to determine if a party is engaging in abusive litigation.
(3) The administrative office of the courts shall update the instructions, brochures, standard petition, and order for protection forms, and create new forms for the motion for order restricting abusive litigation and order restricting abusive litigation, and update the court staff handbook when changes in the law make an update necessary.
(4) No filing fee may be charged to the unrestricted party for proceedings under this section regardless of whether it is filed under this chapter or another action in this title. Forms and instructional brochures shall be provided free of charge.
(5) The provisions of this section are nonexclusive and do not affect any other remedy available.
[ 2020 c 311 s 3.]

catchline: Order restricting abusive litigation—Who may request, when—Instructions, brochures, and forms—Fees.


title: RCW 26.51.040

text:
(1) If a party asserts that they are being subjected to abusive litigation, the court shall attempt to verify that the parties have or previously had an intimate partner relationship and that the party raising the claim of abusive litigation has been found to be a victim of domestic violence by the other party. If the court verifies that both elements are true, or is unable to verify that they are not true, the court shall set a hearing to determine whether the litigation meets the definition of abusive litigation.
(2) At the time set for the hearing on the alleged abusive civil action, the court shall hear all relevant testimony and may require any affidavits, documentary evidence, or other records the court deems necessary.
[ 2020 c 311 s 4.]

catchline: Hearing—Procedure.


title: RCW 26.51.050

text:
At the hearing conducted pursuant to RCW 26.51.040, evidence of any of the following creates a rebuttable presumption that litigation is being initiated, advanced, or continued primarily for the purpose of harassing, intimidating, or maintaining contact with the other party:
(1) The same or substantially similar issues between the same or substantially similar parties have been litigated within the past five years in the same court or any other court of competent jurisdiction; or
(2) The same or substantially similar issues between the same or substantially similar parties have been raised, pled, or alleged in the past five years and were dismissed on the merits or with prejudice; or
(3) Within the last ten years, the party allegedly engaging in abusive litigation has been sanctioned under superior court civil rule 11 or a similar rule or law in another jurisdiction for filing one or more cases, petitions, motions, or other filings, that were found to have been frivolous, vexatious, intransigent, or brought in bad faith involving the same opposing party; or
(4) A court of record in another judicial district has determined that the party allegedly engaging in abusive litigation has previously engaged in abusive litigation or similar conduct and has been subject to a court order imposing prefiling restrictions.
[ 2020 c 311 s 5.]

catchline: Evidence creating a rebuttable presumption that the litigation is primarily for the purpose of harassing, intimidating, or maintaining contact with the other party.


title: RCW 26.51.060

text:
(1) If the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that a party is engaging in abusive litigation, and that any or all of the motions or actions pending before the court are abusive litigation, the litigation shall be dismissed, denied, stricken, or resolved by other disposition with prejudice.
(2) In addition to dismissal or denial of any pending abusive litigation within the jurisdiction of the court, the court shall enter an "order restricting abusive litigation." The order shall:
(a) Impose all costs of any abusive civil action pending in the court at the time of the court's finding pursuant to subsection (1) of this section against the party advancing the abusive litigation;
(b) Award the other party reasonable attorneys' fees and costs of responding to the abusive litigation including the cost of seeking the order restricting abusive litigation; and
(c) Identify the party protected by the order and impose prefiling restrictions upon the party found to have engaged in abusive litigation for a period of not less than forty-eight months nor more than seventy-two months.
(3) If the court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that the litigation does not constitute abusive litigation, the court shall enter written findings and the litigation shall proceed. Nothing in this section or chapter shall be construed as limiting the court's inherent authority to control the proceedings and litigants before it.
(4) The provisions of this section are nonexclusive and do not affect any other remedy available to the person who is protected by the order restricting abusive litigation or to the court.
[ 2020 c 311 s 6.]

catchline: Burden of proof—Dismissal or denial of pending abusive litigation—Entry of order restricting abusive litigation.


title: RCW 26.51.070

text:
(1) Except as provided in this section, a person who is subject to an order restricting abusive litigation is prohibited from filing, initiating, advancing, or continuing the litigation against the protected party for the period of time the filing restrictions are in effect.
(2) Notwithstanding subsection (1) of this section and consistent with the state Constitution, a person who is subject to an order restricting abusive litigation may seek permission to file a new case or a motion in an existing case using the procedure set out in subsection (3) of this section.
(3)(a) A person who is subject to an order restricting litigation against whom prefiling restrictions have been imposed pursuant to this chapter who wishes to initiate a new case or file a motion in an existing case during the time the person is under filing restrictions must first appear before the judicial officer who imposed the prefiling restrictions to make application for permission to institute the civil action.
(b)(i) The judicial officer may examine witnesses, court records, and any other available evidence to determine if the proposed litigation is abusive litigation or if there are reasonable and legitimate grounds upon which the litigation is based.
(ii) If the judicial officer determines the proposed litigation is abusive litigation, based on reviewing the records as well as any evidence from the person who is subject to the order, then it is not necessary for the person protected by the order to appear or participate in any way. If the judicial officer is unable to determine whether the proposed litigation is abusive without hearing from the person protected by the order, then the court shall issue an order scheduling a hearing, and notifying the protected party of the party's right to appear and/or participate in the hearing. The order should specify whether the protected party is expected to submit a written response. When possible, the protected party should be permitted to appear telephonically and provided instructions for how to appear telephonically.
(c)(i) If the judicial officer believes the litigation that the party who is subject to the prefiling order is making application to file will constitute abusive litigation, the application shall be denied, dismissed, or otherwise disposed with prejudice.
(ii) If the judicial officer reasonably believes that the litigation the party who is subject to the prefiling order is making application to file will not be abusive litigation, the judicial officer may grant the application and issue an order permitting the filing of the case, motion, or pleading. The order shall be attached to the front of the pleading to be filed with the clerk. The party who is protected by the order shall be served with a copy of the order at the same time as the underlying pleading.
(d) The findings of the judicial officer shall be reduced to writing and made a part of the record in the matter. If the party who is subject to the order disputes the finding of the judge, the party may seek review of the decision as provided by the applicable court rules.
(4) If the application for the filing of a pleading is granted pursuant to this section, the period of time commencing with the filing of the application requesting permission to file the action and ending with the issuance of an order permitting filing of the action shall not be computed as a part of any applicable period of limitations within which the matter must be instituted.
(5) If, after a party who is subject to prefiling restrictions has made application and been granted permission to file or advance a case pursuant to this section, any judicial officer hearing or presiding over the case, or any part thereof, determines that the person is attempting to add parties, amend the complaint, or is otherwise attempting to alter the parties and issues involved in the litigation in a manner that the judicial officer reasonably believes would constitute abusive litigation, the judicial officer shall stay the proceedings and refer the case back to the judicial officer who granted the application to file, for further disposition.
(6)(a) If a party who is protected by an order restricting abusive litigation is served with a pleading filed by the person who is subject to the order, and the pleading does not have an attached order allowing the pleading, the protected party may respond to the case by filing a copy of the order restricting abusive litigation.
(b) If it is brought to the attention of the court that a person against whom prefiling restrictions have been imposed has filed a new case or is continuing an existing case without having been granted permission pursuant to this section, the court shall dismiss, deny, or otherwise dispose of the matter. This action may be taken by the court on the court's own motion or initiative. The court may take whatever action against the perpetrator of abusive litigation deemed necessary and appropriate for a violation of the order restricting abusive litigation.
(c) If a party who is protected by an order restricting abusive litigation is served with a pleading filed by the person who is subject to the order, and the pleading does not have an attached order allowing the pleading, the protected party is under no obligation or duty to respond to the summons, complaint, petition, motion, to answer interrogatories, to appear for depositions, or any other responsive action required by rule or statute in a civil action.
(7) If the judicial officer who imposed the prefiling restrictions is no longer serving in the same capacity in the same judicial district where the restrictions were placed, or is otherwise unavailable for any reason, any other judicial officer in that judicial district may perform the review required and permitted by this section.
[ 2020 c 311 s 7.]

catchline: Filing of new case or motion by person subject to an order restricting abusive litigation—Requirements—Procedures.


title: RCW 26.51.900

text:
This act shall be construed liberally so as to effectuate the goal of protecting survivors of domestic violence from abusive litigation.
[ 2020 c 311 s 11.]

catchline: Construction—2020 c 311.


title: RCW 26.51.901

text:
This act takes effect January 1, 2021.
[ 2020 c 311 s 13.]

catchline: Effective date—2020 c 311.


title: RCW 26.52.005

text:
The problem of women fleeing across state lines to escape their abusers is epidemic in the United States. In 1994, Congress enacted the violence against women act (VAWA) as Title IV of the violent crime control and law enforcement act (P.L. 103-322). The VAWA provides for improved prevention and prosecution of violent crimes against women and children. Section 2265 of the VAWA (Title IV, P.L. 103-322) provides for nationwide enforcement of civil and criminal protection orders in state and tribal courts throughout the country.
The legislature finds that existing statutes may not provide an adequate mechanism for victims, police, prosecutors, and courts to enforce a foreign protection order in our state. It is the intent of the legislature that the barriers faced by persons entitled to protection under a foreign protection order will be removed and that violations of foreign protection orders be criminally prosecuted in this state.
[ 1999 c 184 s 2.]


title: RCW 26.52.010

text:
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Domestic or family violence" includes, but is not limited to, conduct when committed by one family member against another that is classified in the jurisdiction where the conduct occurred as a domestic violence crime or a crime committed in another jurisdiction that under the laws of this state would be classified as domestic violence under RCW 10.99.020.
(2) "Family members" means intimate partners and family or household members as those terms are defined in RCW 7.105.010.
(3) "Foreign protection order" means an injunction or other order related to domestic or family violence, harassment, sexual abuse, or stalking, for the purpose of preventing violent or threatening acts or harassment against, or contact or communication with or physical proximity to another person issued by a court of another state, territory, or possession of the United States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or the District of Columbia, or any United States military tribunal, or a tribal court, in a civil or criminal action.
(4) "Harassment" includes, but is not limited to, conduct that is classified in the jurisdiction where the conduct occurred as harassment or a crime committed in another jurisdiction that under the laws of this state would be classified as harassment under RCW 9A.46.040.
(5) "Judicial day" does not include Saturdays, Sundays, or legal holidays in Washington state.
(6) "Person entitled to protection" means a person, regardless of whether the person was the moving party in the foreign jurisdiction, who is benefited by the foreign protection order.
(7) "Person under restraint" means a person, regardless of whether the person was the responding party in the foreign jurisdiction, whose ability to contact or communicate with another person, or to be physically close to another person, is restricted by the foreign protection order.
(8) "Sexual abuse" includes, but is not limited to, conduct that is classified in the jurisdiction where the conduct occurred as a sex offense or a crime committed in another jurisdiction that under the laws of this state would be classified as a sex offense under RCW 9.94A.030.
(9) "Stalking" includes, but is not limited to, conduct that is classified in the jurisdiction where the conduct occurred as stalking or a crime committed in another jurisdiction that under the laws of this state would be classified as stalking under RCW 9A.46.110.
(10) "Washington court" includes the superior, district, and municipal courts of the state of Washington.
[ 2021 c 215 s 144; 1999 c 184 s 3.]
Notes:
Effective date—2022 c 268; 2021 c 215: See note following RCW 7.105.900.


title: RCW 26.52.020

text:
A foreign protection order is valid if the issuing court had jurisdiction over the parties and matter under the law of the state, territory, possession, tribe, or United States military tribunal. There is a presumption in favor of validity where an order appears authentic on its face.
A person under restraint must be given reasonable notice and the opportunity to be heard before the order of the foreign state, territory, possession, tribe, or United States military tribunal was issued, provided, in the case of ex parte orders, notice and opportunity to be heard was given as soon as possible after the order was issued, consistent with due process.
[ 1999 c 184 s 4.]

catchline: Foreign protection orders—Validity.


title: RCW 26.52.030

text:
(1) A person entitled to protection who has a valid foreign protection order may file that order by presenting a certified, authenticated, or exemplified copy of the foreign protection order to a clerk of the court of a Washington court in which the person entitled to protection resides or to a clerk of the court of a Washington court where the person entitled to protection believes enforcement may be necessary. Any out-of-state department, agency, or court responsible for maintaining protection order records, may by facsimile or electronic transmission send a reproduction of the foreign protection order to the clerk of the court of Washington as long as it contains a facsimile or electronic signature by any person authorized to make such transmission.
(2) Filing of a foreign protection order with a court and entry of the foreign protection order into any computer-based criminal intelligence information system available in this state used by law enforcement agencies to list outstanding warrants are not prerequisites for enforcement of the foreign protection order.
(3) The court shall accept the filing of a foreign protection order without a fee or cost.
(4) The clerk of the court shall provide information to a person entitled to protection of the availability of domestic violence, sexual abuse, and other services to victims in the community where the court is located and in the state.
(5) The clerk of the court shall assist the person entitled to protection in completing an information form that must include, but need not be limited to, the following:
(a) The name of the person entitled to protection and any other protected parties;
(b) The name and address of the person who is subject to the restraint provisions of the foreign protection order;
(c) The date the foreign protection order was entered;
(d) The date the foreign protection order expires;
(e) The relief granted under . . . . . . . . . . (specify the relief awarded and citations thereto, and designate which of the violations are arrestable offenses);
(f) The judicial district and contact information for court administration for the court in which the foreign protection order was entered;
(g) The social security number, date of birth, and description of the person subject to the restraint provisions of the foreign protection order;
(h) Whether the person who is subject to the restraint provisions of the foreign protection order is believed to be armed and dangerous;
(i) Whether the person who is subject to the restraint provisions of the foreign protection order was served with the order, and if so, the method used to serve the order;
(j) The type and location of any other legal proceedings between the person who is subject to the restraint provisions and the person entitled to protection.
An inability to answer any of the above questions does not preclude the filing or enforcement of a foreign protection order.
(6) The clerk of the court shall provide the person entitled to protection with a copy bearing proof of filing with the court.
(7) Any assistance provided by the clerk under this section does not constitute the practice of law. The clerk is not liable for any incomplete or incorrect information that he or she is provided.
[ 2020 c 57 s 83; 1999 c 184 s 5.]


title: RCW 26.52.040

text:
(1) The clerk of the court shall forward a copy of a foreign protection order that is filed under this chapter on or before the next judicial day to the county sheriff along with the completed information form. The clerk may forward the foreign protection order to the county sheriff by facsimile or electronic transmission.
Upon receipt of a filed foreign protection order, the county sheriff shall immediately enter the foreign protection order into any computer-based criminal intelligence information system available in this state used by law enforcement agencies to list outstanding warrants. The foreign protection order must remain in the computer for the period stated in the order. The county sheriff shall only expunge from the computer-based criminal intelligence information system foreign protection orders that are expired, vacated, or superseded. Entry into the law enforcement information system constitutes notice to all law enforcement agencies of the existence of the foreign protection order. The foreign protection order is fully enforceable in any county in the state.
(2) The information entered into the computer-based criminal intelligence information system must include, if available, notice to law enforcement whether the foreign protection order was served and the method of service.
[ 1999 c 184 s 6.]

catchline: Filed foreign protection orders—Transmittal to law enforcement agency—Entry into law enforcement information system.


title: RCW 26.52.050

text:
A peace officer or a peace officer's legal advisor may not be held criminally or civilly liable for making an arrest under this chapter if the peace officer or the peace officer's legal advisor acted in good faith and without malice.
[ 1999 c 184 s 7.]

catchline: Peace officer immunity.


title: RCW 26.52.060

text:
A public agency may not charge a fee for filing or preparation of certified, authenticated, or exemplified copies to a person entitled to protection who seeks relief under this chapter or to a foreign prosecutor or a foreign law enforcement agency seeking to enforce a protection order entered by a Washington court. A person entitled to protection and foreign prosecutors or law enforcement agencies must be provided the necessary number of certified, authenticated, or exemplified copies at no cost.
[ 1999 c 184 s 8.]

catchline: Fees not permitted for filing, preparation, or copies.


title: RCW 26.52.070

text:
(1) Whenever a foreign protection order is granted to a person entitled to protection and the person under restraint knows of the foreign protection order, a violation of a provision prohibiting the person under restraint from contacting or communicating with another person, or of a provision excluding the person under restraint from a residence, workplace, school, or day care, or of a provision prohibiting a person from knowingly coming within, or knowingly remaining within, a specified distance of a location, a protected party's person, or a protected party's vehicle, or a violation of any provision for which the foreign protection order specifically indicates that a violation will be a crime, is punishable under RCW 7.105.450.
(2) A peace officer shall arrest without a warrant and take into custody a person when the peace officer has probable cause to believe that a foreign protection order has been issued of which the person under restraint has knowledge and the person under restraint has violated a provision of the foreign protection order that prohibits the person under restraint from contacting or communicating with another person, or a provision that excludes the person under restraint from a residence, workplace, school, or day care, or of a provision prohibiting a person from knowingly coming within, or knowingly remaining within, a specified distance of a location, a protected party's person, or a protected party's vehicle, or a violation of any provision for which the foreign protection order specifically indicates that a violation will be a crime. Presence of the order in the law enforcement computer-based criminal intelligence information system is not the only means of establishing knowledge of the order.
[ 2021 c 215 s 145; 2000 c 119 s 26; 1999 c 184 s 9.]
Notes:
Effective date—2022 c 268; 2021 c 215: See note following RCW 7.105.900.
Application—2000 c 119: See note following RCW 10.31.100.

catchline: Violation of foreign orders—Penalties.


title: RCW 26.52.080

text:
(1) Any disputes regarding provisions in foreign protection orders dealing with custody of children, residential placement of children, or visitation with children shall be resolved judicially. The proper venue and jurisdiction for such judicial proceedings shall be determined in accordance with chapter 26.27 RCW and in accordance with the parental kidnapping prevention act, 28 U.S.C. 1738A.
(2) A peace officer shall not remove a child from his or her current placement unless:
(a) A writ of habeas corpus to produce the child has been issued by a superior court of this state; or
(b) There is probable cause to believe that the child is abused or neglected and the child would be injured or could not be taken into custody if it were necessary to first obtain a court order pursuant to RCW 13.34.050.
[ 1999 c 184 s 10.]

catchline: Child custody disputes.


title: RCW 26.52.900

text:
This act may be known and cited as the foreign protection order full faith and credit act.
[ 1999 c 184 s 1.]

catchline: Short title—1999 c 184.


title: RCW 26.55.005

text:
This chapter may be cited as the uniform recognition and enforcement of Canadian domestic violence protection orders act.
[ 2019 c 263 s 901.]

catchline: Short title.


title: RCW 26.55.010

text:
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "Canadian domestic violence protection order" means a judgment or part of a judgment or order issued in a civil proceeding by a court of Canada under law of the issuing jurisdiction which relates to domestic violence.
(2) "Domestic violence protection order" means an injunction or other order issued by a court which relates to domestic or family violence laws to prevent an individual from engaging in violent or threatening acts against, harassment of, direct or indirect contact or communication with, or being in physical proximity to another individual.
(3) "Issuing court" means the court that issues a Canadian domestic violence protection order.
(4) "Law enforcement officer" means an individual authorized by law of this state other than this chapter to enforce a domestic violence protection order.
(5) "Person" means an individual, estate, business or nonprofit entity, public corporation, government or governmental subdivision, agency, or instrumentality, or other legal entity.
(6) "Protected individual" means an individual protected by a Canadian domestic violence protection order.
(7) "Record" means information that is inscribed on a tangible medium or that is stored in an electronic or other medium and is retrievable in perceivable form.
(8) "Respondent" means an individual against whom a Canadian domestic violence protection order is issued.
(9) "State" means a state of the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the United States Virgin Islands, or any territory or insular possession subject to the jurisdiction of the United States. The term includes a federally recognized Indian tribe.
[ 2021 c 215 s 79; 2019 c 263 s 902.]
Notes:
Effective date—2022 c 268; 2021 c 215: See note following RCW 7.105.900.


title: RCW 26.55.015

text:
(1) A Canadian domestic violence protection order that identifies both a protected individual and a respondent and appears valid on its face is prima facie evidence of its enforceability under chapter 215, Laws of 2021.
(2) A Canadian domestic violence protection order is enforceable only to the extent it prohibits a respondent from the following conduct as ordered by a Canadian court:
(a) Being in physical proximity to a protected individual or following a protected individual;
(b) Directly or indirectly contacting or communicating with a protected individual or other individual described in the order;
(c) Being within a certain distance of a specified place or location associated with a protected individual; or
(d) Molesting, annoying, harassing, or engaging in threatening conduct directed at a protected individual.
(3) Neither filing with the clerk of the court under RCW 26.55.040 nor obtaining an order granting recognition and enforcement under RCW 26.55.030 is required prior to the enforcement of a Canadian domestic violence protection order by a law enforcement officer.
[ 2021 c 215 s 80.]
Notes:
Effective date—2022 c 268; 2021 c 215: See note following RCW 7.105.900.


title: RCW 26.55.020

text:
(1) If a law enforcement officer determines under subsection (2) or (3) of this section that there is probable cause to believe a Canadian domestic violence protection order exists and that one or more of the provisions of the order identified in RCW 26.55.015 have been violated, the officer shall enforce the terms of the Canadian domestic violence protection order as if the terms were in an order issued in Washington state.
(2) Presentation to a law enforcement officer of a record of a Canadian domestic violence protection order that identifies both a protected individual and a respondent, and on its face is in effect, constitutes probable cause to believe that an enforceable order exists.
(3) If a record of a Canadian domestic violence protection order is not presented as provided in subsection (2) of this section, a law enforcement officer is not prohibited from considering other relevant information in determining whether there is probable cause to believe that a Canadian domestic violence protection order exists.
(4) If a law enforcement officer determines that a Canadian domestic violence protection order cannot be enforced because the respondent has not been notified of or served with the order, the officer shall notify the protected individual that the officer will make reasonable efforts to contact the respondent, consistent with the safety of the protected individual. After notice to the protected individual and consistent with the safety of the individual, the officer shall make a reasonable effort to inform the respondent of the order, notify the respondent of the terms of the order, provide a record of the order, if available, to the respondent, and allow the respondent a reasonable opportunity to comply with the order before the officer enforces the order.
(5) If a law enforcement officer determines that an individual is a protected individual, the officer shall inform the individual of available local victim services.
[ 2021 c 215 s 81; 2019 c 263 s 903.]
Notes:
Effective date—2022 c 268; 2021 c 215: See note following RCW 7.105.900.

catchline: Enforcement of Canadian domestic violence protection order by law enforcement officer.


title: RCW 26.55.030

text:
(1) A court may issue an order granting recognition and enforcement or denying recognition and enforcement of a Canadian domestic violence protection order on petition of:
(a) A protected individual;
(b) A person authorized by law of this state other than this chapter to seek enforcement of a domestic violence protection order; or
(c) A respondent.
(2) A petitioner is not required to post a bond to obtain relief in any proceeding under this section. No fees for any type of filing or service of process may be charged by a court or any public agency to petitioners seeking relief under this chapter. Courts may not charge petitioners any fees or surcharges the payment of which is a condition precedent to the petitioner's ability to secure access to relief under this chapter. Petitioners shall be provided the necessary number of certified copies, forms, and instructional brochures free of charge. A respondent who is served electronically with a protection order shall be provided a certified copy of the order free of charge upon request.
(3) Upon receipt of the petition, the court shall order a hearing, which shall be held not later than 14 days from the date of the order. Service shall be provided as required in RCW 7.105.080 and 7.105.150 through 7.105.165.
(4) The hearing shall be conducted as required by RCW 7.105.200 and 7.105.205.
(5) Interpreters must be appointed as required in RCW 7.105.245. An interpreter shall interpret for the party in the presence of counsel or court staff in preparing forms and participating in the hearing and court-ordered assessments, and the interpreter shall sight translate any orders.
(6) A Canadian domestic violence protection order is enforceable under this section if:
(a) The order identifies a protected individual and a respondent;
(b) The order is valid and in effect;
(c) The issuing court had jurisdiction over the parties and the subject matter under law applicable in the issuing court; and
(d) The order was issued after:
(i) The respondent was given reasonable notice and had an opportunity to be heard before the court issued the order; or
(ii) In the case of an ex parte temporary protection order, the respondent was given reasonable notice and had or will have an opportunity to be heard within a reasonable time after the order was issued, in a manner consistent with the right of the respondent to due process.
(7) A claim that a Canadian domestic violence protection order does not comply with subsection (6) of this section is an affirmative defense in a proceeding seeking enforcement of the order. If the court determines that the order is not enforceable, the court shall issue an order that the Canadian domestic violence protection order is not enforceable under this section and RCW 26.55.020 and may not be filed under RCW 26.55.040.
[ 2021 c 215 s 82; 2019 c 263 s 904.]
Notes:
Effective date—2022 c 268; 2021 c 215: See note following RCW 7.105.900.

catchline: Enforcement of Canadian domestic violence protection order by court.


title: RCW 26.55.040

text:
(1) A person entitled to protection who has a Canadian domestic violence protection order may file that order by presenting a certified, authenticated, or exemplified copy of the Canadian domestic violence protection order to a clerk of the court of a Washington court according to RCW 7.105.075. Any out-of-state department, agency, or court responsible for maintaining protection order records, may by facsimile or electronic transmission send a reproduction of the foreign protection order to the clerk of the court of Washington as long as it contains a facsimile or digital signature by any person authorized to make such transmission.
(2) An individual filing a Canadian domestic violence protection order under this section shall also file a declaration signed under penalty of perjury stating that, to the best of the individual's knowledge, the order is valid and in effect.
(3) On receipt of a certified, authenticated, or exemplified copy of a Canadian domestic violence protection order and declaration signed under penalty of perjury stating that, to the best of the individual's knowledge, the order is valid and in effect, the clerk of the court shall file the order in accordance with this section.
(4) After a Canadian domestic violence protection order is filed under this section, the clerk of the court shall provide the individual filing the order a certified copy of the filed order.
(5) A fee may not be charged for the filing of a Canadian domestic violence protection order under this section.
[ 2021 c 215 s 83; 2019 c 263 s 905.]
Notes:
Effective date—2022 c 268; 2021 c 215: See note following RCW 7.105.900.

catchline: Filing of Canadian domestic violence protection order.


title: RCW 26.55.045

text:
(1) A copy of a Canadian domestic violence protection order filed with the clerk, an order granting recognition and enforcement, or an order denying recognition and enforcement under this chapter, shall be forwarded by the clerk of the court on or before the next judicial day to the law enforcement agency specified in the order. An order granting or denying recognition and enforcement shall be accompanied by a copy of the related Canadian domestic violence protection order.
(2) Upon receipt of the order, the law enforcement agency shall comply with the requirements of RCW 7.105.325.
[ 2021 c 215 s 84.]
Notes:
Effective date—2022 c 268; 2021 c 215: See note following RCW 7.105.900.

catchline: Forwarding of order to law enforcement agency.


title: RCW 26.55.050

text:
The state, state agency, local governmental agency, law enforcement officer, prosecuting attorney, clerk of court, and state or local governmental official acting in an official capacity are immune from civil and criminal liability for an act or omission arising out of the filing or recognition and enforcement of a Canadian domestic violence protection order or the detention or arrest of an alleged violator of a Canadian domestic violence protection order if the act or omission was a good faith effort to comply with this chapter.
[ 2021 c 215 s 85; 2019 c 263 s 906.]
Notes:
Effective date—2022 c 268; 2021 c 215: See note following RCW 7.105.900.

catchline: Immunity from civil and criminal liability.


title: RCW 26.55.060

text:
An individual who seeks a remedy under this chapter may seek other legal or equitable remedies.
[ 2019 c 263 s 907.]

catchline: Other remedies.


title: RCW 26.55.900

text:
In applying and construing this uniform act, consideration must be given to the need to promote uniformity of the law with respect to its subject matter among states that enact it.
[ 2019 c 263 s 908.]

catchline: Uniformity of application and construction—2019 c 263.


title: RCW 26.55.901

text:
This chapter modifies, limits, or supersedes the electronic signatures in global and national commerce act, 15 U.S.C. Sec. 7001 et seq., but does not modify, limit, or supersede Section 101(c) of that act, 15 U.S.C. Sec. 7001(c), or authorize electronic delivery of any of the notices described in Section 103(b) of that act, 15 U.S.C. Sec. 7003(b).
[ 2019 c 263 s 909.]

catchline: Relation to electronic signatures in global and national commerce act.


title: RCW 26.55.902

text:
This chapter applies to a Canadian domestic violence protection order issued before, on, or after January 1, 2020, and to a continuing action for enforcement of a Canadian domestic violence protection order commenced before, on, or after January 1, 2020. A request for enforcement of a Canadian domestic violence protection order made on or after January 1, 2020, for a violation of the order occurring before, on, or after January 1, 2020, is governed by this chapter.
[ 2019 c 263 s 910.]

catchline: Applicability.


title: RCW 26.55.903

text:
Sections 901 through 915, 1001, and 1002 of this act take effect January 1, 2020.
[ 2019 c 263 s 1003.]


title: RCW 26.60.010

text:
Many Washingtonians are in intimate, committed, and exclusive relationships with another person to whom they are not legally married. These relationships are important to the individuals involved and their families; they also benefit the public by providing a private source of mutual support for the financial, physical, and emotional health of those individuals and their families. The public has an interest in providing a legal framework for such mutually supportive relationships, whether the partners are of the same or different sexes, and irrespective of their sexual orientation.
The legislature finds that the public interest would be served by extending rights and benefits to couples in which either or both of the partners are at least sixty-two years of age. While these couples are entitled to marry under the state's marriage statutes, some social security and pension laws nevertheless make it impractical for these couples to marry. For this reason, chapter 156, Laws of 2007 specifically allows couples to enter into a state registered domestic partnership if one of the persons is at least sixty-two years of age, the age at which many people choose to retire and are eligible to begin collecting social security and pension benefits.
The rights granted to state registered domestic partners in chapter 156, Laws of 2007 will further Washington's interest in promoting family relationships and protecting family members during life crises. Chapter 156, Laws of 2007 does not affect marriage or any other ways in which legal rights and responsibilities between two adults may be created, recognized, or given effect in Washington.
[ 2012 c 3 s 8 (Referendum Measure No. 74, approved November 6, 2012); 2007 c 156 s 1.]
Notes:
Effective date—2012 c 3 ss 8 and 9: "Sections 8 and 9 of this act take effect June 30, 2014, but only if all other provisions of this act are implemented." [ 2012 c 3 s 18 (Referendum Measure No. 74, approved November 6, 2012).]
Notice—2012 c 3: See note following RCW 26.04.010.

catchline: Finding.


title: RCW 26.60.015

text:
It is the intent of the legislature that for all purposes under state law, state registered domestic partners shall be treated the same as married spouses. Any privilege, immunity, right, benefit, or responsibility granted or imposed by statute, administrative or court rule, policy, common law or any other law to an individual because the individual is or was a spouse, or because the individual is or was an in-law in a specified way to another individual, is granted on equivalent terms, substantive and procedural, to an individual because the individual is or was in a state registered domestic partnership or because the individual is or was, based on a state registered domestic partnership, related in a specified way to another individual. The provisions of chapter 521, Laws of 2009 shall be liberally construed to achieve equal treatment, to the extent not in conflict with federal law, of state registered domestic partners and married spouses.
[ 2009 c 521 s 1.]

catchline: Intent.


title: RCW 26.60.020

text:
The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise.
(1) "State registered domestic partners" means two adults who meet the requirements for a valid state registered domestic partnership as established by RCW 26.60.030 and who have been issued a certificate of state registered domestic partnership by the secretary.
(2) "Secretary" means the secretary of state's office.
(3) "Share a common residence" means inhabit the same residence. Two persons shall be considered to share a common residence even if:
(a) Only one of the domestic partners has legal ownership of the common residence;
(b) One or both domestic partners have additional residences not shared with the other domestic partner; or
(c) One domestic partner leaves the common residence with the intent to return.
[ 2007 c 156 s 2.]

catchline: Definitions.


title: RCW 26.60.025

text:
Whenever the term "domestic partnership" is used in the Revised Code of Washington it shall be defined to mean "state registered domestic partnership" and whenever the term "domestic partner" is used in the Revised Code of Washington it shall be defined to mean "state registered domestic partner."
[ 2008 c 6 s 1201.]

catchline: Definition—Domestic partnership.


title: RCW 26.60.030

text:
To enter into a state registered domestic partnership the two persons involved must meet the following requirements:
(1) Both persons share a common residence;
(2) Both persons are at least eighteen years of age and at least one of the persons is sixty-two years of age or older;
(3) Neither person is married to someone other than the party to the domestic partnership and neither person is in a state registered domestic partnership with another person;
(4) Both persons are capable of consenting to the domestic partnership; and
(5) Both of the following are true:
(a) The persons are not nearer of kin to each other than second cousins, whether of the whole or half blood computing by the rules of the civil law; and
(b) Neither person is a sibling, child, grandchild, aunt, uncle, niece, or nephew to the other person.
[ 2012 c 3 s 9 (Referendum Measure No. 74, approved November 6, 2012); 2007 c 156 s 4.]
Notes:
Effective date—2012 c 3 ss 8 and 9: See note following RCW 26.60.010.
Notice—2012 c 3: See note following RCW 26.04.010.

catchline: Requirements.


title: RCW 26.60.040

text:
(1) Two persons desiring to become state registered domestic partners who meet the requirements of RCW 26.60.030 may register their domestic partnership by filing a declaration of state registered domestic partnership with the secretary and paying the filing fee established pursuant to subsection (4) of this section. The declaration must be signed by both parties and notarized.
(2) Upon receipt of a signed, notarized declaration and the filing fee, the secretary shall register the declaration and provide a certificate of state registered domestic partnership to each party named on the declaration.
(3) The secretary shall permanently maintain a record of each declaration of state registered domestic partnership filed with the secretary. The secretary has the authority to update the records to reflect changes in the status of a state registered domestic partnership, such as a change of address, name, dissolution, or death. The secretary shall provide the state registrar of vital statistics with records of declarations of state registered domestic partnerships.
(4) The secretary shall set by rule and collect a reasonable fee for filing the declaration, calculated to cover the secretary's costs, but not to exceed fifty dollars. Fees collected under this section are expressly designated for deposit in the secretary of state's revolving fund established under RCW 43.07.130.
[ 2009 c 521 s 71; 2007 c 156 s 5.]

catchline: Registration—Records—Fees.


title: RCW 26.60.060

text:
(1)(a) A domestic partnership created by a subdivision of the state is not a state registered domestic partnership for the purposes of a state registered domestic partnership under this chapter. Those persons desiring to become state registered domestic partners under this chapter must register pursuant to RCW 26.60.040.
(b) A subdivision of the state that provides benefits to the domestic partners of its employees and chooses to use the definition of state registered domestic partner as set forth in RCW 26.60.020 must allow the certificate issued by the secretary of state to satisfy any registration requirements of the subdivision. A subdivision that uses the definition of state registered domestic partner as set forth in RCW 26.60.020 shall notify the secretary of state. The secretary of state shall compile and maintain a list of all subdivisions that have filed such notice. The secretary of state shall post this list on the secretary's web page and provide a copy of the list to each person that receives a certificate of state registered domestic partnership under RCW 26.60.040(2).
(c) Nothing in this section shall affect domestic partnerships created by any public entity.
(2) Nothing in chapter 156, Laws of 2007 affects any remedy available in common law.
[ 2007 c 156 s 7.]

catchline: Domestic partnerships created by subdivisions of the state.


title: RCW 26.60.070

text:
A patient's state registered domestic partner shall have the same rights as a spouse with respect to visitation of the patient in a health care facility as defined in RCW 48.43.005.
[ 2007 c 156 s 8.]

catchline: Patient visitation.


title: RCW 26.60.080

text:
Any community property rights of domestic partners established by chapter 6, Laws of 2008 shall apply from the date of the initial registration of the domestic partnership or June 12, 2008, whichever is later.
[ 2008 c 6 s 601.]

catchline: Community property rights—Date of application.


title: RCW 26.60.090

text:
A legal union, other than a marriage, of two persons that was validly formed in another jurisdiction, and that is substantially equivalent to a domestic partnership under this chapter, shall be recognized as a valid domestic partnership in this state and shall be treated the same as a domestic partnership registered in this state regardless of whether it bears the name domestic partnership.
[ 2012 c 3 s 12 (Referendum Measure No. 74, approved November 6, 2012); 2011 c 9 s 1; 2009 c 521 s 72; 2008 c 6 s 1101.]
Notes:
Notice—2012 c 3: See note following RCW 26.04.010.

catchline: Reciprocity.


title: RCW 26.60.100

text:
(1) Partners in a state registered domestic partnership may apply and receive a marriage license and have such marriage solemnized pursuant to chapter 26.04 RCW, so long as the parties are otherwise eligible to marry, and the parties to the marriage are the same as the parties to the state registered domestic partnership.
(2) A state registered domestic partnership is dissolved by operation of law by any marriage of the same parties to each other, as of the date of the marriage stated in the certificate.
(3)(a) Except as provided in (b) of this subsection, any state registered domestic partnership in which the parties are the same sex, and neither party is sixty-two years of age or older, that has not been dissolved or converted into a marriage by the parties by June 30, 2014, is automatically merged into a marriage and is deemed a marriage as of June 30, 2014.
(b) If the parties to a state registered domestic partnership have proceedings for dissolution, annulment, or legal separation pending as of June 30, 2014, the parties' state registered domestic partnership is not automatically merged into a marriage and the dissolution, annulment, or legal separation of the state registered domestic partnership is governed by the provisions of the statutes applicable to state registered domestic partnerships in effect before June 30, 2014. If such proceedings are finalized without dissolution, annulment, or legal separation, the state registered domestic partnership is automatically merged into a marriage and is deemed a marriage as of June 30, 2014.
(4) For purposes of determining the legal rights and responsibilities involving individuals who had previously had a state registered domestic partnership and have been issued a marriage license or are deemed married under the provisions of this section, the date of the original state registered domestic partnership is the legal date of the marriage. Nothing in this subsection prohibits a different date from being included on the marriage license.
[ 2012 c 3 s 10 (Referendum Measure No. 74, approved November 6, 2012).]
Notes:
Notice—2012 c 3: See note following RCW 26.04.010.

catchline: Application for marriage—Dissolution of partnership by marriage—Automatic merger of partnership into marriage—Legal date of marriage.


title: RCW 26.60.900

text:
Part headings used in this act are not any part of the law.
[ 2008 c 6 s 1301.]

catchline: Part headings not law—2008 c 6.


title: RCW 26.60.901

text:
If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected.
[ 2008 c 6 s 1302.]

catchline: Severability—2008 c 6.


title: RCW 27.04.010

text:
(1) There shall be a state library within the office of the secretary of state, and a state librarian to serve as its chief executive officer.
(2) The secretary of state may make such rules under chapter 34.05 RCW as necessary and proper to carry out the purposes of this chapter.
(3) The secretary of state shall appoint a state librarian who shall serve at the pleasure of the secretary of state.
[ 2002 c 342 s 2; 1999 c 123 s 1; 1943 c 207 s 1; Rem. Supp. 1943 s 8225-1. Prior: See Reviser's note below.]
Notes:
Reviser's note: For prior laws on this subject, see Laws 1929 c 159; 1921 c 7 s 13; 1913 c 72; 1903 c 171; 1901 c 43 and 46; 1893 c 63; 1891 c 37; Code 1881 ss 2588-2613.

catchline: Library created—Rule-making authority—Appointment of state librarian.


title: RCW 27.04.045

text:
The state librarian shall be responsible and accountable for the following functions:
(1) Establishing content-related standards for common formats and agency indexes for state agency-produced information. In developing these standards, the state librarian is encouraged to seek involvement of, and comments from, public and private entities with an interest in such standards;
(2) Managing and administering the state library;
(3) Exerting leadership in information access and the development of library services;
(4) Acquiring library materials, equipment, and supplies by purchase, exchange, gift, or otherwise; and, as appropriate, assisting the legislature, other state agencies, and other libraries in the cost-effective purchase of information resources;
(5) Employing and terminating personnel in accordance with chapter 41.06 RCW as may be necessary to implement the purposes of this chapter;
(6) Entering into agreements with other public or private entities as a means of implementing the mission, goals, and objectives of the state library and the entity with which it enters such agreements. In agreements for services between the library and other state agencies, the library may negotiate an exchange of services in lieu of monetary reimbursement for the library's indirect or overhead costs, when such an arrangement facilitates the delivery of library services;
(7) Maintaining a library at the state capitol grounds to effectively provide library and information services to members of the legislature, state officials, and state employees in connection with their official duties;
(8) Serving as the depository for newspapers published in the state of Washington thus providing a central location for a valuable historical record for scholarly, personal, and commercial reference and circulation;
(9) Promoting and facilitating electronic access to public information and services, including providing, or providing for, a service that identifies, describes, and provides location information for government information through electronic means, and that assists government agencies in making their information more readily available to the public;
(10) Collecting and distributing copies of state publications, as defined in RCW 40.06.010, prepared by any state agency for distribution. The state library shall maintain the state publications distribution center, as provided in chapter 40.06 RCW to provide copies of materials that are not available in electronic format to state depository libraries;
(11) Providing for the sale of library material in accordance with RCW 27.12.305;
(12) Providing advisory services to state agencies regarding their information needs;
(13) Providing for library and information service to residents and staff of state-supported residential institutions;
(14) Providing for library and information services to persons throughout the state who are blind and/or physically disabled;
(15) Assisting individuals and groups such as libraries, library boards, governing bodies, and citizens throughout the state toward the establishment and development of library services;
(16) Making studies and surveys of library needs in order to provide, expand, enlarge, and otherwise improve access to library facilities and services throughout the state;
(17) Serving as an interlibrary loan, information, reference, and referral resource for all libraries in the state. The state library may charge lending fees to other libraries that charge the state library for similar services. Money paid as fees shall be retained by the state library as a recovery of costs; and
(18) Accepting and expending in accordance with the terms thereof grants of federal, state, local, or private funds. For the purpose of qualifying to receive such grants, the state librarian is authorized to make applications and reports required by the grantor.
[ 2020 c 274 s 9; 2006 c 199 s 2; 2002 c 342 s 3; 1999 c 123 s 5; 1996 c 171 s 6; 1989 c 96 s 7; 1984 c 152 s 2.]
Notes:
Findings—2006 c 199: "The state of Washington recognizes that an informed citizenry is indispensable to the proper functioning of a democratic society. It is the basic right of citizens to know about the activities of their government, to benefit from the information developed at public expense, and to have permanent access to the information published by state agencies.
The secretary of state through the state library must ensure permanent public access to public state government publications, regardless of the format, and prescribe the conditions for use of state publications in depository libraries." [ 2006 c 199 s 1.]
Captions not law—Effective dates—1996 c 171: See notes following RCW 2.68.050.

catchline: Duties of state librarian—Lending fees for interlibrary services.


title: RCW 27.04.055

text:
No library serving a community having over four thousand population, nor any library operated by the state or under its authority, may have in its employ, in the position of librarian or in any other full-time professional library position, a person who does not hold a librarian's certificate issued by the state librarian or its predecessor. A full-time professional library position, is one that requires, in the opinion of the state librarian, a knowledge of information resources and library/information service delivery equivalent to that required for graduation from an accredited library education program. This section does not apply to the state law library or to county law libraries. The state librarian shall:
(1) Establish rules for, and prescribe and hold examinations to test, the qualifications of those seeking certificates as librarians;
(2) Grant librarians' certificates without examination to applicants who are graduates of library schools programs accredited or otherwise officially recognized by the American library association for general library training, and grant certificates to other applicants when it has satisfied itself by examination that the applicant has attainments and abilities equivalent to those of a graduate of a library school program accredited or otherwise officially recognized by the American library association; and
(3) Charge a fee to recover the costs associated with the application to be paid by each applicant for a librarian's certificate. Money paid as fees shall be retained by the state library as a recovery of costs.
[ 2002 c 342 s 4; 1999 c 123 s 4.]


title: RCW 27.04.100

text:
(1) In recognition of prison overcrowding and the hazardous nature of employment in state institutions and offices, the legislature hereby provides a supplementary program to reimburse employees of the state library for some of their costs attributable to their being the victims of offender or resident assaults. This program shall be limited to the reimbursement provided in this section.
(2) An employee is only entitled to receive the reimbursement provided in this section if the state librarian, or the state librarian's designee, finds that each of the following has occurred:
(a) An offender or resident has assaulted the employee while the employee is performing the employee's official duties and as a result thereof the employee has sustained injuries which have required the employee to miss days of work; and
(b) The assault cannot be attributable to any extent to the employee's negligence, misconduct, or failure to comply with any rules or conditions of employment.
(3) The reimbursement authorized under this section shall be as follows:
(a) The employee's accumulated sick leave days shall not be reduced for the workdays missed;
(b) For each workday missed for which the employee is not eligible to receive compensation under chapter 51.32 RCW, the employee shall receive full pay; and
(c) With respect to workdays missed for which the employee will receive or has received compensation under chapter 51.32 RCW, the employee shall be reimbursed in an amount which, when added to that compensation, will result in the employee receiving full pay for the workdays missed.
(4) Reimbursement under this section may not last longer than three hundred sixty-five consecutive days after the date of the injury.
(5) The employee shall not be entitled to the reimbursement provided in subsection (3) of this section for any workday for which the state librarian, or the state librarian's designee, finds that the employee has not diligently pursued his or her compensation remedies under chapter 51.32 RCW.
(6) The reimbursement shall only be made for absences which the state librarian, or the state librarian's designee, believes are justified.
(7) While the employee is receiving reimbursement under this section, he or she shall continue to be classified as a state employee and the reimbursement amount shall be considered as salary or wages.
(8) All reimbursement payments required to be made to employees under this section shall be made by the state library. The payments shall be considered as a salary or wage expense and shall be paid by the state library in the same manner and from the same appropriations as other salary and wage expenses of the state library.
(9) Should the legislature revoke the reimbursement authorized under this section or repeal this section, no affected employee is entitled thereafter to receive the reimbursement as a matter of contractual right.
(10) For the purposes of this section, "offender or resident" means: (a) Inmate as defined in *RCW 72.09.020, (b) offender as defined in RCW 9.94A.030, (c) any other person in the custody of or subject to the jurisdiction of the department of corrections, or (d) a resident of a state institution.
[ 1990 c 68 s 1.]
Notes:
*Reviser's note: RCW 72.09.020 was repealed by 1995 1st sp.s. c 19 s 36.

catchline: Reimbursement of employees for offender or resident assaults.


title: RCW 27.04.105

text:
(1) Subject to availability of amounts appropriated for this specific purpose, the state library shall administer a grant pilot program with the purpose of increasing free application for federal student aid and Washington application for state financial aid completion rates.
(2) The state library shall administer grants to local public libraries located within educational service districts that are in the bottom two for free application for federal student aid completion rates when combining their respective school districts' free application for federal student aid completion rates over the past three completed academic years prior to June 9, 2022. The state library shall, as a condition of the grant pilot program, require local public libraries to partner with community-based organizations including, where appropriate, organizations with proven track records of working with historically underrepresented populations, to increase free application for federal student aid and Washington application for state financial aid completion. The organization or organizations selected shall:
(a) Be embedded in their respective community and have a strong foundation of trust among members of the community; and
(b) Be committed to working directly with individual members of their community to assist with one-on-one free application for federal student aid and Washington application for state financial aid completion and to provide information on how to access private scholarships.
(3) The state library shall report annually to the appropriate committees of the legislature in accordance with RCW 43.01.036 beginning December 1, 2023, on the progress of the library outreach pilot project to boost free application for federal student aid and Washington application for state financial aid completion rates. The report must include the specific number of students that were assisted through the grant pilot program.
[ 2022 c 214 s 4.]
Notes:
Intent—2022 c 214: See note following RCW 28B.77.300.

catchline: Grant pilot program—Student aid—Report.