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HB 1620

Concerning limitations in parenting plans.

2025-2026 Regular Session Introduced by Roger Goodman and 3 co-sponsors

Washington law HB 1620 restricts court-imposed limitations on parental rights in custody arrangements, reshaping how family courts balance child protection with parental access starting July 2025.

Effective date 7/27/2025.
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Bill Summary · HB 1620

Legislative bill overview

HB 1620 modifies Washington state law regarding parenting plans and custody arrangements by establishing new limitations on how courts can restrict parental rights and contact. The bill, sponsored by four Democratic legislators, became law on April 25, 2025, with an effective date of July 27, 2025.

Why is this important

Parenting plan restrictions directly affect millions of Washington families navigating custody disputes and child welfare cases. The limitations established in this bill will reshape how family courts balance child safety protections with parental rights, potentially altering outcomes in thousands of ongoing and future cases.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of restrictions: Disputes over what constitutes appropriate "limitations" and whether the bill adequately protects vulnerable children while preserving parental access
  • Court discretion: Questions about whether the new limitations reduce judges' flexibility to protect children in high-conflict or abuse situations
  • Implementation clarity: Uncertainty about how family courts will interpret and uniformly apply the new standards across different custody scenarios

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

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