Addressing threats of harm to children by modifying the child removal standard related to another person's use or possession of a high-potency synthetic opioid.

 H-0794.1

HOUSE BILL 1753

State of Washington

69th Legislature

2025 Regular Session

By Representatives Rule, Richards, Parshley, Eslick, Nance, and Pollet

Read first time 01/31/25. Referred to Committee on Early Learning & Human Services.

AN ACT Relating to addressing threats of harm to children by modifying the child removal standard related to another person's use or possession of a high-potency synthetic opioid; amending RCW 13.34.065 and 13.34.130 ; and creating a new section.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. (1) The legislature finds that since 2018 there has been a significant increase in the number of child fatalities and near fatalities involving fentanyl within 12 months of the family's involvement in the child welfare system in Washington. According to the office of the family and children's ombuds, the majority of these fatalities and near fatalities involving fentanyl included accidental ingestion by children 11 years of age or younger or accidental overdoses of youth aged 11 to 20 years while using substances.

(2) The legislature finds that fentanyl is a high-potency synthetic opioid. When illegally made or unprescribed, high-potency synthetic opioids, such as fentanyl, are highly addictive and very dangerous.