LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITY 2020

  • Contact Your Legislators:
    Via the 
    Legislative Hotline Number (Know your Legislative District #)1-800-562-6000
    Send emails regarding bills of interest to you.
    And send brief hand-written notes by snail mail. These will get read!
    Find your district and legislators’ contact info at:
     
    http://leg.wa.gov/
    MORE DETAILS: HOW YOU CAN INTERACT WITH LEGISLATORS 

Learn about Bills of Interest to Christians & Homeschoolers:
F
or 2020 bills of Interest and information see these Family Policy Institute of Washington pages:
For Complete WA State Legislative Information and Resources:
Visit the Legislative Websit
e:  www.leg.wa.gov

LEGISLATIVE ACTIVITY 2019

Contact Your Legislators:
Via the 
Legislative Hotline Number (Know your Legislative District #)1-800-562-6000
Send emails regarding bills of interest to you.
And send brief hand-written notes by snail mail. These will get read!
Find your district and legislators’ contact info at:
 
http://leg.wa.gov/
MORE DETAILS: HOW YOU CAN INTERACT WITH LEGISLATORS 
Learn about Bills of Interest to Christians & Homeschoolers:
See short list of pertinent bills listed beneath the line below.
And for complete 2019 Bills of Interest information go to the this FPIW page:
Family Policy Institute of WA “Current Legislative Agenda” The page above provides important information on bills of interest–both those to support and those to oppose–and links to view
the official progress of each bill. 
For Complete WA State Legislative Information and Resources:
Visit the Legislative Websit
e:  www.leg.wa.gov  
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

SOME BILLS TO RESPOND TO THIS SESSION. CONTACT YOUR LEGISLATORS NOW!

Proposed Legislation that May Affect Home Education.

None that we know of at present which would directly affect home education.

Bills that Would Threaten Parental Rights
 HB 1638 Eliminating Childhood Immunization Exceptions
This bill currently applies to children enrolled in public schools, private schools, and licensed daycare. Nonetheless, we should actively oppose this intrusion into parental rights to choose what is best for their children. And this bill could be amended to include all children in the state. FOLLOW IT CAREFULLY!
Bills that Would Support Parental Rights
Other Bills of Interest
Other Bills of Concern

Legislative Activity 2016 (1/25/2015 )

Legislative hotline 1-800-562-6000 Legislative website www.leg.wa.gov
The 2016 Legislative session began, January 11, 2016 (It is always the 2nd Monday in January) check back during the session to get important updates.  We are continuing to monitor bills during the session and will send out notifications for bills needing your attention. 
Bills that may impact Home School Freedoms.
The mission of CHN is to contend and defend for home education. Check back here when the legislature is in session for important updates on bills.
Bills that may impact Parental Rights.
We support legislation that affirms that the right of a parent to make decisions regarding the care, custody, supervision, and administration of his or her child is a fundamental right.
Other Bills of Interest.
CHN is monitoring bills to protect the interest of independent homeschoolers and ensure that public school-at-home programs are not confused with independent homeschooling. CHN does not support government subsidies, funding or control of homeschooling.     
CHN…….Your Homeschooling voice in Olympia!

© 2014  CHN all rights reserved. Permission to copy and distribute if copied in its entirety, or contact chnow@msn.com if you support the work of the Christian Homeschool Network, please join us at http://www.chnow.org

This information is not intended to be and does not constitute the giving of legal advice. Before making any decisions that could affect the legal status of your homeschool program contact Home School Legal Defense Association www.HSLDA.org for advice.

Legislative Activity 2015 (8/1/2015 )

Legislative hotline 1-800-562-6000 Legislative website www.leg.wa.gov
Session begins January 12, 2015
Legislature adjourned sine die on July 10, 2015 (end of 3rd special session)
Bills requiring action are in RED.

Bills that may impact Home School Freedoms.

SB5419 regarding student privacy.
CHN watched this bill closely. Why? In 2009, CHN introduced a couple of bills which were passed into law to protect the DOI form from being misused by school districts (RCW 28A.320.092) and to protect the DOI form from public disclosure. While the focus of SB5419 appeared to be concerns with data security of public school students, CHN monitored this bill to ensure the laws we passed in 2009 were not affected or weakened.
Read more about SB5419 below.  
Bills that may impact Parental Rights. 

BILLS CHN SUPPORTS:  

SB5875- allowing for parent- taught drivers education.

Sponsors- Senators BentonAngel
SB5875 http://app.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?year=2015&bill=5975

NOTE: CHN has worked on this issue since 2005 and was not consulted on this bill before it was filed. For many years we have worked with members to include key language that will help pass this bill into law.  CHN was excited to see this bill pass out of committee, however we will need to work with the sponsor to make sure key language is included next time to ensure this bill has better success next time it is introduced.  

Status: Bill passed out of Transportation Committee. Died in Rules.
Position: Support
Action: None needed at this time.

HJM 4003- Urging the members of the United States congress to propose the parental rights amendment to the states for ratification.
Sponsors: Representatives SheaScottKlippertTaylorMcCaslinHolyG. HuntYoungCondotta

The Parental Rights Amendment recognizes that the right of a parent to make decisions regarding the care, custody, supervision, and administration of his or her child is a fundamental right. Go to www.PROorg for updates on this issue at the Federal level.

Status:  No action was taken on this bill. Bill is dead.
Position: Support
Action: Ask your legislators to support HJM4003 & share your personal stories or examples of how government is interfering with your right to raise your child.  

SB5289 Requiring parental notification before an abortion on a minor. 

Sponsors: Padden
Status: No action taken. Bill is dead.
Position: Support
Action: None needed at this time.   

HB1493 Requiring parental notification before an abortion on a minor.

Sponsors Representatives SheaScottTaylorMcCaslinHolyG. HuntWilsonYoungHayesHalerGriffeyRodneVan WervenCondottaKlippertMuriShort

Status: No action taken. Bill is dead.
Position: Support
Action: None needed at this time.

BILLS CHN OPPOSES:  

HB2009- removing exemption from immunizations for a philosophical or personal objection.

Sponsors:  RobinsonJohnsonWalkinshawMagendanzJinkinsGregersonHarrisTarletonLyttonRiccelliCodyTharingerSennKilduffStanfordPetersonMoellerKagiTakkoMoscosoWylieClibbornVan De WegeS. HuntFarrellPolletRyu
HB2009 http://app.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=2009&year=2015  

Status: Bill passed out of House Health Care Committee. Died in Rules.
Position: Oppose
Action: None needed at this time.

SB5005- allowing for grandparent visitation of a minor.
Sponsors: Senators Angel, Rolfes  

Summary: This bill would allow a grandparent to petition the courts for visitation of children against the will of a fit parent & allow a judge to overrule the parent. Once the petitioner demonstrates that the child will likely suffer harm or there is a substantial risk of harm if visitation is not granted the burden effectively shifts to the fit parent to “prove why their decision to deny visitation is reasonable and in the best interest of the child.”  We believe this is a clear violation of the presumption that fit parents are making decisions in the best interests of their children and their fundamental right to direct the care, custody, and control of their children. 

NOTE: Fit parent means a parent who has done nothing wrong. This bill does not involved dependency (CPS) or custody cases but cases where the parent and petitioner have a dispute over who the child is allowed to spend time with.  If passed into law, family would be suing family, parents would be allowed to sue their adult children to force them to allow visitation of their children.

SB5005 http://app.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=5005&year=2015  

Status: Bill died in committee
Position: Opposed
Action: None needed at this time  

History: Since 2004 CHN has worked to defeat bills similar to SB5005 and protect parental rights. With CHN’s leadership, several other organizations have joined together to oppose these “visitation bills.” As a result, we were effective in educating legislators of the dangers of these types of billx and were able to defeat them; in 2013 (HB1934), 2012 (HB2193) and 2010 (HB2124).  

The Key to our success has been YOU!  

Legislators have told us your efforts made the difference. Not only does this strengthen CHN’s work in Olympia to oppose this bill but several supporters of the bill have changed their mind! Together we have been able to defeat this legislation but we cannot stop we must continue.

Other Bills of Interest.

SB5419/HB1495- regarding the Student User Privacy in Education Act.

Senate Sponsor- Senators LitzowMcAuliffeRiversFainMulletFrocktHillDammeierRolfesKohl-WellesChase
House Sponsor- Representatives ReykdalMagendanzSpringerS. HuntPolletStanford

Summary: Many have become concerned with the massive gathering of data collected on children by the public schools and how secure is this data. SB5419 is an attempt to address data security.

NOTE: SB5419 applies only to students enrolled in the K12 public school system and school service providers. Bill does not include any penalties for violations nor does it strengthen parental rights.

SB5419 http://app.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=5419&year=2015
ESB5419 was signed by the governor into law on May 19, 2015,
Session Law http://lawfilesext.leg.wa.gov/biennium/2015-16/Pdf/Bills/Session%20Laws/Senate/5419.SL.pdf

Background: Common Core State Standards (CCSS) is the driving force behind the massive gathering of data on students in the public schools (being entered into database to track students into the workforce CEDARS, P20). In fact, this is the largest collection of data and tracking of American citizens in our history and it is being done to children, without parental knowledge, notification or consent!

Independent homeschoolers are NOT enrolled in the K12 public school system nor are subjected to CCSS.  However, homeschoolers who enroll part time, or in an alternative learning program or in Running Start are NOW enrolled in the public school. Your child is entered into the K12 database (CEDARS) and data is now collected on your child. CEDARS is part of the P20 database that is used to track students into the workforce (P=preschool & 20=after high school, post-secondary education, and into the workforce).

Status: SB5419 passed into law.
Position: Opposed- while this bill is meant to address some concerns with data collection of students it is weak, it continues to erode parental rights, does not provide any penalties or recourse and only applies to service providers.
Action: None needed at this time  

SB5816 (HB1994)- Expanding traffic safety education requirements for certain driver’s license applicants and drivers. 
Senate Sponsor- Senators LiiasBentonRiversJayapalMcAuliffe
House Sponsor- Representatives RyuMoscosoOrtiz-SelfTarleton

Summary: This bill seeks to require drivers between the ages of 18-24, who already have a license, but did not take a government approved Traffic Safety Education Course to take a government approved Young Driver Risk Prevention Traffic Safety Course (10 hours). 

NOTE: Many homeschoolers opt to use an in-home Drivers Education Course, which is not recognized as an approved course in Washington State. Therefore, SB5816 would affect these students by requiring them to take the Young Driver Risk Prevention Traffic Safety Course

SB5816 http://app.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=5816&year=2015
HB1994 http://app.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1994&year=2015

Status: SB5816 passed out of the Senate Transportation committee. Died in Rules.
HB1994 no action taken by House Transportation committee.
Position: Concerns
Action: None needed at this time

CHN…….Your Homeschooling voice in Olympia!

We avoided any issues this year although there was an attempt to lower the compulsory school age to 6. We continue to oppose any erosion of our rights.  Current law at 8 years of age remains our priority.

© 2014  CHN all rights reserved. Permission to copy and distribute if copied in its entirety, or contact chnow@msn.com if you support the work of the Christian Homeschool Network, please join us at http://www.chnow.org

This information is not intended to be and does not constitute the giving of legal advice. Before making any decisions that could affect the legal status of your homeschool program contact Home School Legal Defense Association www.HSLDA.org for advice.

Legislative Activity 2014 (2/24/2014 )

Session begins January 13th & ends March 13th 2014

Legislative hotline 1-800-562-6000 Legislative website www.leg.wa.gov

Bills that may Impact Home Education Freedoms

SUPPORT:

HB2133 regarding student privacy.
HB2133   Prime sponsor: Rep Scott

CHN testified in support of the bill. Rep Scott is planning to introduce a substitute bill to strengthen the bill.

Due to short session bill died in committee. Rep Scott and sponsors will continue to work on this bill in the interim. We expect to see another bill in the 2015 session.

Status: Bill did not make cut off and died in the House Education committee.
Position:  support
Action: ask legislators to support this bill

OPPOSE:

HB 1283 lowering the compulsory school age to 6. HB 1283 attempts to exempt homeschoolers from unintended consequences caused by lowering the compulsory school age. Bill was requested by the State Board of Education and is supported by OSPI and WSSDA.

HB 1283  SHB1283    Sponsors: Reps Maxwell, Stonier, Johnson, Hunt. Reykdal, Sawyer, Bergquist, Pollet, Cody, Kagi, Roberts, Orwell, Lytton, Jinkins and Ryu.

UPDATE: In the 2013 session HB1283 was amended and passed the House. Substitute House Bill 1283 lowers the compulsory school age to 6 for ALL children! Homeschoolers will not be required to begin record keeping or test/assess until child is age 8.

Homeschoolers are no longer exempt from this bill and will be required to comply with the homeschool law and file a DOI when their child is 6 years old. While SHB1283 does not have a negative impact on homeschoolers, CHN and others still oppose this bill on principle. Nor are we convinced that this will be the last attempt to lower the school age.

CHN is very concerned with legislation that limits parental rights. Parents should be able to decide when their child is ready for formal education.

Status: 1/13/14 SHB1283 Reintroduced & Returned to House, in Rules Committee. No action taken. Bill is dead this session. Position:  Opposed
Action: Ask your legislators to oppose lowering the compulsory school age.

Bills that may impact Parental Rights..

BILLS CHN SUPPORTS:

HB 2174/SB6247 Recognizing that the right of a parent<strong “mso-bidi-font-weight:=”” normal”=””> to make decisions regarding the care, custody, supervision, and administration of his or her child is a fundamental right.

CHN has introduced HB2174 on behalf of a coalition of pro-parental rights organizations and to codify the landmark Troxel vs Granville decision. This case went before the Washington Supreme Court which upheld parental rights as a fundamental right and are protected under the Due Process Clause of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution. Thereby, ruling Washington State’s third party visitation laws unconstitutional. The case later went to the US Supreme Court which upheld their decision.

HB2174   House sponsors: Rep Freeman, Shea, Kirby, Klippert, Harris Scott and Overstreet
SB6247  Senate sponsors: Senators Padden (R-Spokane) & Hargrove (D-Hoquim)

Status:  House & Senate committees took no action on this bill. Bill is dead.
Position: Support
Action: Ask your legislators to support HB2174/6247 & share your personal stories or examples of how government is interfering with your right to raise your child.

SB 6503 expanding drivers education options. Creating a pilot program allowing for on-line driver’s education.

Sponsors: Senators Liias, Angel

SB 6503 http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=6503&year=2013

CHN testified in support of this bill and submitte4d language to amend the bill to include parent taught drivers education.
Status:  Senate Transportation committee took no action on this bill. Bill is dead.
Position: Support
Action: Ask your legislators to support parent taught drivers education.

 

SB5156 Requiring parental notification before an abortion on a minor. 
SB5156   Sponsors: Benton, Shelton, Holmquist Newbry, Padden, Hewitt, Honeyford, Carrell, Delvin, Ericksen, Dammeier, King, Smith, Bailey, Braun, Rivers, Person, Shin, Roach,

CHN is coordinating with the other organizations supporting this bill. If you plan to testify please send us an email and we will connect you with the person coordinating testimonies chnow@msn.com 
Status: 1/13/14 Reintroduced, in Senate Health Care Committee, no action taken. Bill is dead.
Position: Support
Action: Call and ask your legislator to support SB5156

HB1257 Requiring parental notification before an abortion on a minor. Sponsors: Shea, Taylor, Short, Kristensen, Overstreet, Hargrove, Scott, Klippert, Buys, Pike

Status: Reactivated, in House Health Care Committee, chair will not allow bill to have a hearing.
Position: Support
Action: None needed at this time

BILLS CHN OPPOSES:

<strong “mso-bidi-font-weight:=”” normal”=””>HB 1934 –  Concerning visitation rights for persons, <strong “mso-bidi-font-weight:=”” normal”=””>including grandparents, with an ongoing and substantial relationship with a child. This is the same bill as HB1506 the only change is the title. Bill was introduced on February 19, 2013 and without a hearing was voted out of committee the next day!

HB1934    Sponsors: Representatives Pedersen, Nealey, Hope, KagiJohnsonGoodmanHansenOrwallPolletRobertsAppleton, Hunt, Maxwell, OrmsbyJinkinsGreenMorrellCarlyleSeaquistHaighHudginsPettigrewTarletonSellsSmithReykdalSawyerMorrisDunsheeMagendanzHunterWylie, Liias, FitzgibbonFagan, Upthegrove, FarrellTakkoRyuRiccelliBergquist, Freeman, HabibVan De WegeHalerClibbornSullivanWalshTharingerMoellerBlakeCodySpringerLytton, McCoy, StanfordMoscoso

Summary: This bill would allow any person, including non-relatives to petition the courts for visitation of children against the will of a fit parent & allow a judge to overrule the parent.

Once the petitioner demonstrates that the child will likely suffer harm or there is a substantial risk of harm if visitation is not granted the burden effectively shifts to the fit parent to “prove why their decision to deny visitation is reasonable and in the best interest of the child.”  We believe this is a clear violation of the presumption that fit parents are making decisions in the best interests of their children and their fundamental right to direct the care, custody, and control of their children.

<strong “mso-bidi-font-weight:=”” normal”=””>NOTE: Fit parent means a parent who has done nothing wrong. <strong “mso-bidi-font-weight:=”” normal”=””>This bill does not involve dependency (CPS) or custody cases but cases where the parent and petitioner have a dispute over who the child is allowed to spend time with.  If passed into law, family would be suing family, parents would be allowed to sue their adult children to force them to allow visitation of their children.

History: Since 2004 CHN has worked to defeat bills similar to HB1934. With CHN’s leadership, several other organizations have joined together to oppose these “visitation bills.” As a result, we were effective in educating legislators of the dangers of this bill and were able to defeat HB1934 in 2013- and similar bills in 2012 (HB2193) and 2010 (HB2124). The Key to our success has been YOU!

Legislators have told us your efforts made the difference. Not only does this strengthen CHN’s work in Olympia to oppose this bill but several supporters of the bill have changed their mind! Together we have been able to defeat this legislation but we cannot stop we must continue.

Status: 1/13/14 Reintroduced, bill returned to House of Origin, in House Rules committee, no action taken. Bill is dead this session.
Position: Oppose
Action:  Call and ask your legislator to oppose HB1934

HB 1506 Allowing a third party (non-relative) to petition the court for visitation of a childThis bill would enact a new section in Washington law that would allow any person to petition a court for visitation rights with a child if they have “established an ongoing and substantial relationship with the child.” The bill is not limited to grandparents/relatives but is open to non relatives.

HB1506 http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1506&year=2013

Sponsors: Pedersen, Nealey, Goodman, Fagan, Kagi, Jinkins, Hope, Walsh, Orwell, Green, Hansen, Ryu, Ormsby, Roberts, Johnson, Pollet.

Once the petitioner demonstrates that the child will likely suffer harm or there is a substantial risk of harm if visitation is not granted <strong “mso-bidi-font-weight:=”” normal”=””>the burden effectively shifts to the fit parent to “prove why their decision to deny visitation is reasonable and in the best interest of the child.”  We believe this is a clear violation of the presumption that fit parents are making decisions in the best interests of their children and their fundamental right to direct the care, custody, and control of their children.

Note: This bill is similar to bills CHN was able to defeat in the 2010 legislative session (HB2124) and 2012 session (HB2193).

2/6/13 hearing in the House Judiciary Committee- CHN testified opposed to the bill. Thank you everyone who came to testify.

Status: Bill is inactive, legislative action is focused on HB1934
Position: Oppose
Action: none needed at this time, see HB1934

Other Bills of Interest.

CHN is monitoring the following bills to protect the interest of independent homeschoolers and ensure the programs are not confused with independent homeschoolers. CHN does not support government subsidies, funding or control of homeschooling. CHN is neutral on the following bills.

SB 5794 regarding Alternative Learning Programs- reforms to the programs.
Sponsors: Dammeier, Ranker, McAuliffe, Honeyford, Eide and Litzow

SB 5794http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=5794&year=2013

Status: 1/13/14 reintroduced, returned to Senate, in Rules committee
Position: none
Action: None needed at this time.

HB1423 regarding on-line programs, moving on-line programs from ALE laws and rules into separate laws.
Sponsors Haigh, Fagan, Seaquist, Magendanz and Hargrove.

HB 1423 http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1423&year=2013

Status: 1/13/14 reintroduced, returned to House, in Rules committee
Position: none
Action: None needed at this time.

HB1431 reforming ALE programs. Requested by OSPI.
Sponsors Santos, Dahlquist, Berquist and Pollet

HB1431 http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1431&year=2013

Status: 1/13/14 reintroduced, House Education Committee
Position: none
Action: None needed at this time.

CHN…….Your Homeschooling voice in Olympia!

© 2014  CHN all rights reserved. Permission to copy and distribute if copied in its entirety, or contact chnow@msn.com if you support the work of the Christian Homeschool Network, please join us at http://www.chnow.org

This information is not intended to be and does not constitute the giving of legal advice. Before making any decisions that could affect the legal status of your homeschool program contact Home School Legal Defense Association www.HSLDA.org for advice.

Legislative Activity 2013 (last updated 4/07/13)

The Legislative session begins January 14, 2013 and ends April 24, 2013

Legislative hotline 1-800-562-6000 Legislative website www.leg.wa.gov

Proposed legislation that may effect home education.

HB 1283 Lowering the compulsory school age to 6. 
Sponsors: Reps Maxwell, Stonier, Johnson, Hunt. Reykdal, Sawyer, Bergquist, Pollet, Cody, Kagi, Roberts, Orwell, Lytton, Jinkins and Ryu.

Bill was requested by the State Board of Education and is supported by OSPI and WSSDA.

HB 1283 http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1283&year=2013

SHB1283 http://apps.leg.wa.gov/documents/billdocs/2013-14/Pdf/Bills/House%20Bills/1283-S.pdf

HB 1283 attempts to exempt homeschoolers from unintended consequences caused by lowering the compulsory school age. CHN is very concerned with legislation that limits parental rights. Parents should be able to decide when their child is ready for formal education.

UPDATE: 2/14/13 HB1283 was amended and voted out of the House Education Committee.

SHB1283 lowers the compulsory school age to 6 for ALL children. HB1283 was amended so that homeschoolers will not be required to begin record keeping or test/assess until child is age 8. Homeschoolers are no longer exempt from this bill and will be required to comply with the homeschool law and file a DOI when their child is 6 years old. 

SHB1283 does not have a negative impact on homeschoolers, however CHN and others are opposed to legislation that limits parental rights.

Status: Failed to pass out of the Senate Early Learning & K12 committee before cut-off deadline. Bill is dead.
Position: Opposed
Action: None needed.

Bills that Would Threaten Parental Rights

HB 1934 – Concerning visitation rights for persons, including grandparents, with an ongoing and substantial relationship with a child. This is the same bill as HB1506 the only change is the title. Bill was introduced on February 19, and without a hearing was voted out of committee the next day!

HB1934: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1934&year=2013

Sponsors: Representatives Pedersen, Nealey, Hope, KagiJohnsonGoodmanHansenOrwallPolletRobertsAppleton, Hunt, Maxwell, Ormsby,JinkinsGreenMorrellCarlyleSeaquistHaighHudginsPettigrewTarletonSellsSmithReykdalSawyerMorrisDunsheeMagendanzHunter,Wylie, Liias, FitzgibbonFagan, Upthegrove, FarrellTakkoRyuRiccelliBergquist, Freeman, HabibVan De WegeHalerClibbornSullivan,WalshTharingerMoellerBlakeCodySpringerLytton, McCoy, StanfordMoscoso

This bill would allow any person, including non-relatives to petition the courts for visitation of children against the will of a fit parent.

Once the petitioner demonstrates that the child will likely suffer harm or there is a substantial risk of harm if visitation is not granted the burden effectively shifts to the fit parent to “prove why their decision to deny visitation is reasonable and in the best interest of the child.” We believe this is a clear violation of the presumption that fit parents are making decisions in the best interests of their children and their fundamental right to direct the care, custody, and control of their children.

Other organizations opposed to HB1934:
Parental Rights.org
Home School Legal Defense
Parental Rights of Washington
Family Policy Action

Note: This bill is similar to bills CHN was able to defeat in the 2010 legislative session (HB2124) and 2012 session (HB2193).

2/22 bill was introduced and voted out of the Judiciary committee without a hearing. 

Status: Bill did not pass out of the Senate Human Services & Corrections committee before cut-off and is dead.
Position: Oppose
Action: None needed at this time.

HB 1506 Allowing a third party (non-relative) to petition the court for visitation of a childThis bill would enact a new section in Washington law that would allow any person to petition a court for visitation rights with a child if they have “established an ongoing and substantial relationship with the child.” The bill is not limited to grandparents/relatives but is open to non relatives.

HB1506 http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1506&year=2013

Sponsors: Pedersen, Nealey, Goodman, Fagan, Kagi, Jinkins, Hope, Walsh, Orwell, Green, Hansen, Ryu, Ormsby, Roberts, Johnson, Pollet.

Once the petitioner demonstrates that the child will likely suffer harm or there is a substantial risk of harm if visitation is not granted the burden effectively shifts to the fit parent to “prove why their decision to deny visitation is reasonable and in the best interest of the child.” We believe this is a clear violation of the presumption that fit parents are making decisions in the best interests of their children and their fundamental right to direct the care, custody, and control of their children.

Note: This bill is similar to bills CHN was able to defeat in the 2010 legislative session (HB2124) and 2012 session (HB2193).

2/6/13 hearing in the House Judiciary Committee- CHN testified opposed to the bill.
Thank you everyone who came to testify.

Status: 2/12 scheduled to be voted out of committee, No action was taken. Rescheduled to be voted on 2/19 10am, removed from agenda and replaced with HB1934.
Position: Oppose
Action: none needed at this time, see HB1934

Bills that Would Support Parental Rights
SB5156 Requiring parental notification before an abortion. 
This bill would require a 48 hour notice be given to parents before an abortion could be performed on a minor.
Sponsors: Benton, Shelton, Holmquist Newbry, Padden, Hewitt, Honeyford, Carrell, Delvin, Ericksen, Dammeier, King, Smith, Bailey, Braun, Rivers, Person, Shin, Roach,Due to a drafting error with the original bill a substitute bill has been introduced; PSSB5156.
PSSB5156 http://www.leg.wa.gov/Senate/Committees/LAW/Documents/PSsDRAFTs/PSSB%205156.pdfCHN is coordinating with the other organizations supporting this bill. If you plan to testify please send us an email and we will connect you with the person coordinating testimonies chnow@msn.comStatus: 2/6 hearing Senate Law and Justice Committee. Bill did not pass out of committee before deadline and is dead.
Position: Support
Action: None needed at this time.HB1257 Requiring parental notification before an abortion.
Sponsors: Shea, Taylor, Short, Kristensen, Overstreet, Hargrove, Scott, Klippert, Buys, PikeStatus: Referred to Health Care Committee, chair will not allow this bill to have a hearing.
Position: Support
Action: None needed at this time.For more information on parental notification www.FPIW.orgFor more information on parental rights www.ParentalRigths.org
Other Bills of Interest

CHN is monitoring the following bills to protect the interest of independent homeschoolers and ensure the programs are not confused with independent homeschoolers. CHN does not support government subsidies, funding or control of homeschooling.

SB 5794 regarding Alternative Learning Programs- reforms to the programs. Sponsors: Dammeier, Ranker, McAuliffe, Honeyford, Eide and Litzow
SB 5794: http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=5794&year=2013

Status: Passed Senate referred to House Education committee.
Position: none
Action: None needed at this time.

HB1423 regarding on-line programs, moving on-line programs from ALE laws and rules into separate laws. Sponsors Haigh, Fagan, Seaquist, Magendanz and Hargrove.
HB 1423 http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1423&year=2013

Status: Passed House, in Senate Early Learning and K12 Education Committee, hrg 3/15
Position: none
Action: None needed at this time.

HB1431 reforming ALE programs. Requested by OSPI. Sponsors Santos, Dahlquist, Berquist and Pollet
HB1431 http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1431&year=2013

Bill is dead.