The Mission
The Family Law Section’s Legislation Committee aims to improve the quality of legal services to further the best interests of Washington residents. It does this by actively engaging in the legislative process to create or amend family and juvenile law statutes. The Committee reviews proposed legislation related to family law, provides technical expertise and information to the Legislature, and comments in support or opposition when authorized to do so by the Board of Governors. Its goals are to advise on bills, clarify existing laws, and monitor legislation that impacts marital, family, and juvenile law on behalf of the Family Law Section. Through statutory engagement, the Committee works to advance family law and ensure high-quality legal representation serves families and children.
Family Law Executive Positions
The Family Law Legislation Committee's positions on bills and legislative actions align with the Family Law Section's approved standing policies and require authorization from the Family Law Executive Committee. Committee members regularly follow and review proposed legislation and offer guidance to lawmakers drafting or amending bills. The Committee’s Legislative Liaison coordinates with the WSBA's Legislative Affairs Manager to provide testimony and advance the Section's views in legislative hearings. With its longstanding presence in state politics, the Family Law Section seeks to promote the enhancement of family law related laws and procedures through its legislative engagement.
2026 Washington State Legislature — Family Law & Child Welfare Bills
| Bill | Title & Description | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| SB 6306 leg.wa.gov ↗ | Equal Protections for Children and Pets Would have extended equal legal protections to both children and pets in relevant legal proceedings. No committee action before the February 4 policy cutoff. | Died in committee |
| SB 6023 leg.wa.gov ↗ | Protecting Children From Imminent Risk of Harm Would have addressed legal mechanisms to protect children facing immediate risk of harm. No committee activity identified before the session policy cutoff. | Died in committee |
| HB 2663 leg.wa.gov ↗ | Domestic Violence Offense Registry Would have created a statewide registry for domestic violence offenses. Introduced January 26, 2026 and referred to House Community Safety Committee, but did not advance before the February 4 policy cutoff. | Died in committee |
| SB 5837 leg.wa.gov ↗ | Guardianship, Conservatorship & Protective Arrangements Amends guardianship and conservatorship procedures, including requirements for attorney appointment, respondent attendance at hearings, and notice of rights to protected individuals. Prefiled December 2025 with bipartisan sponsorship. Passed the House on March 4, 2026. Awaiting Governor Ferguson's signature by April 4. | Awaiting governor |
| SB 6308 leg.wa.gov ↗ | Conditions in Child Welfare Shelter Care Hearings (Senate) Would have authorized courts to order specific conditions during shelter care hearings for children under age 5 in dependency proceedings. Passed Senate Ways & Means 14–8 on February 9, 2026, but did not receive a full Senate floor vote before session end. | Died — no floor vote |
| HB 2660 leg.wa.gov ↗ | Conditions in Child Welfare Shelter Care Hearings (House) Companion bill to SB 6308. Passed House Early Learning & Human Services and Appropriations committees. Was in House Rules as of February 24. Senate companion did not receive a floor vote before adjournment. Final House floor vote unconfirmed — verify at source link. | Outcome unclear |
| SSB 5169 leg.wa.gov ↗ | Testimony of Children Expands when a child's out-of-court statements may be admitted as evidence in criminal and dependency proceedings, and broadens use of closed-circuit television for child testimony. Passed both Senate votes 49–0. Cleared House Civil Rights & Judiciary on February 25, 2026. Was in House Rules as of March 3; final floor vote very likely occurred. Verify at source link. | Likely passed |
| HB 1426 leg.wa.gov ↗ | Civil Protection Order to Prevent Impaired Driving Would have created a new Impaired Driving Protection Order (IDPO) allowing family members or law enforcement to proactively seek a civil order preventing a known impaired driver from operating a vehicle. Multiple hearings held in House Civil Rights & Judiciary, but executive session was scheduled without action taken. | Died in committee |
| SB 5536 leg.wa.gov ↗ | Just & Equitable Distribution of Property Would have modified how real property and liabilities are distributed in dissolution of marriage or domestic partnership proceedings. Passed the full Senate 41–7. Received a public hearing in House Civil Rights & Judiciary on February 24, 2026, but no executive action was taken before the February 25 opposite house policy cutoff. | Died in House |
Status key:
Died in committee / session
Outcome unclear
Awaiting governor
Likely passed
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