Signed by Governor Jay Inslee

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to concur with house amendments and pass a bill that authorizes discretion and specifies in statute that licensed shelters or homeless youth programs in the state are not required to report runaway youth if a compelling reason exists, or if those youth are seeking gender-affirming or reproductive care.

Highlights:

• Authorizes discretion and specifies in state statute that licensed shelters or homeless youth programs in the state are not required to report runaway youth if a compelling reason exists such as seeking gender-affirming or reproductive care (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that when the department of health and human services receives a report on a minor seeking or receiving gender-affirming or reproductive care it shall (Sec. 1):

• Offer to make referrals on behalf of the minor for appropriate behavioral health services; and

• Offer services to resolve the conflict and accomplish a reunification of the family.

• Specifies that if a host home program serves a child without parental authorization who is seeking or receiving protected health care services, the host program must (Sec. 1):

• Report to the department within 72 hours of the youths participation in the program;

• Report to the department the youth’s participation in the host program at least once every month when the youth remains in the host home longer than one month; and

• Provide case management outside of the host home and away from any individuals residing in the home at least once per month.

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect upon passage and approval by the governor (Sec. 4).

Full Bill Text

Vote Smart's Synopsis:

Vote to amend and pass a bill that authorizes discretion and specifies in statute that licensed shelters or homeless youth programs in the state are not required to report runaway youth if a compelling reason exists, or if those youth are seeking gender-affirming or reproductive care.

Highlights:

• Authorizes discretion and specifies in state statute that licensed shelters or homeless youth programs in the state are not required to report runaway youth if a compelling reason exists such as seeking gender-affirming or reproductive care (Sec. 1).

• Specifies that when the department of health and human services receives a report on a minor seeking or receiving gender-affirming or reproductive care it shall (Sec. 1):

• Offer to make referrals on behalf of the minor for appropriate behavioral health services; and

• Offer services to resolve the conflict and accomplish a reunification of the family.

• Specifies that if a host home program serves a child without parental authorization who is seeking or receiving protected health care services, the host program must (Sec. 1):

• Report to the department within 72 hours of the youths participation in the program;

• Report to the department the youth’s participation in the host program at least once every month when the youth remains in the host home longer than one month; and

• Provide case management outside of the host home and away from any individuals residing in the home at least once per month.

• Specifies that the provisions of this bill shall take effect upon passage and approval by the governor (Sec. 4).

Full Bill Text