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Human Services Committee backs narrowed mandated‑reporting change for higher‑education attorneys
Summary
The committee gave substitute House Bill 1171 a due‑pass recommendation to the Rules Committee after adopting an amendment clarifying that attorney‑client representation information is exempt from child‑abuse mandated‑reporting while Washington rules of professional conduct continue to apply.
The Senate Human Services Committee on March 30 voted to give substitute House Bill 1171 a due‑pass recommendation to the Rules Committee after adopting a striking amendment that clarifies reporting duties for attorneys at institutions of higher education.
The bill, presented to the committee by Allison Mendiola, committee staff, would exempt attorneys and employees acting under the supervision or direction of attorneys at institutions of higher education from mandated reporting requirements for child abuse and neglect when the information arises from representation of a client. The fiscal note attached to the bill lists a one‑time cost of $17,005. The bill previously passed the House by a recorded vote of 90‑5‑0.
Senator Warren offered the striking amendment labeled A to clarify that the exemption applies to information related to client representation while preserving the Washington rules of professional conduct. "When this bill first came before me I wasn't quite sure about it ... so I offer this amendment to make this a better bill," Senator Warren said during the committee discussion. The chair urged support of the amendment, noting it aligns disclosure standards for attorney‑supervised student attorneys with other attorneys and preserves obligations to disclose information to prevent reasonably certain death or substantial bodily harm.
Following the amendment adoption, the committee moved that the bill, as amended by the striking amendment labeled A, receive a due‑pass recommendation and be sent to the Rules Committee. The committee recorded the action as passed "subject to signatures." The committee did not record a roll‑call tally in the transcript; the measure will proceed to Rules for further consideration.
The bill and amendment leave in place professional conduct obligations for attorneys while creating the limited reporting exemption tied to the attorney‑client relationship at higher‑education institutions. The committee staff noted the bill would next be considered by the Rules Committee.
Sent to Rules: substitute House Bill 1171, as amended, with fiscal note $17,005 (one‑time).
