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Bill

HB 2660

Authorizing the court to order certain conditions during child welfare shelter care hearings.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Mia Gregerson and 3 co-sponsors

HB 2660 grants Washington courts broader authority to impose conditions during child welfare shelter care hearings to protect removed children's safety and welfare.

Scheduled for public hearing in the House Committee on Early Learning & Human Services at 1:30 PM (Subject to change).
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Bill Summary · HB 2660

Legislative bill overview

HB 2660 expands judicial authority during child welfare shelter care hearings to impose specific conditions on the care and placement of children removed from their homes. The bill appears designed to give courts more tools to ensure child safety and appropriate care arrangements during the critical early period after removal from parental custody.

Why is this important

Shelter care hearings occur within days of a child's removal and determine immediate placement and conditions. Broadening court authority here directly affects thousands of Washington children annually and can influence case outcomes, safety measures, and family reunification prospects. The conditions ordered during these hearings set the operational framework for the entire subsequent dependency case.

Potential points of contention

  • Judicial discretion vs. specificity: Critics may argue the bill's language is vague about what "certain conditions" means, potentially allowing inconsistent application across judges and counties, while supporters may prefer flexibility to address individual cases
  • Resource implications: Courts ordering specific conditions may create unfunded mandates requiring additional services, placements, or supervision that counties and child welfare agencies must provide without additional funding
  • Parent/family impact: Expanded court authority could strengthen child protections but may also impose more restrictive conditions on parental contact, visitation, and family reunification plans before guilt is established

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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