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Richland adopts ordinance adding 'failure to supervise' offense with reasonableness clause
Summary
Council adopted Ordinance 2026‑15 to add RMC 9.12.140 making failure to supervise a child unlawful; the measure includes a 'reasonableness' standard and city leaders and the police chief said it is designed to allow officer discretion and avoid criminalizing routine parental actions.
The Richland City Council on June 16 approved Ordinance 2026‑15, a second reading amending chapter 9.12 of the Richland Municipal Code to add RMC 9.12.140, establishing failure to supervise a child as an unlawful act subject to a reasonableness standard.
Chief Pilcher explained the purpose of the reasonableness clause, citing state RCW standards that consider the child's age and the context of any unsupervised conduct. Pilcher told council that the ordinance aims to allow officers to provide context and require explanation when enforcement action is taken, and that it differentiates between, for example, an 11‑year‑old and a toddler.
Council members sought and received assurances that the ordinance is not intended to result in arrests for routine behavior such as children walking to school or playing at the park. Chief Pilcher and other council members said enforcement would emphasize warnings and available resources; the city prosecutor reviewed the wording and is prepared to take enforcement steps only when appropriate.
The ordinance passed following a roll call: Mayor Pro Tem Van Dyke Aye; Council member Holton Aye; Council member Jones Yes; Council member Samuel Yes; Council member Witten Aye.
The council noted that more examples and guidance could be provided to the public to clarify what constitutes unreasonable supervision under the new code.
The ordinance takes effect according to the city's standard timeline for municipal code changes and will be implemented by police and city prosecutorial staff.
