Providing a definition for imminent physical harm in the context of child welfare.
HB 2511 amends Washington State law to provide a specific definition for "imminent physical harm" within child welfare proceedings, though the exact definition isn't included in the provided text. The bill reenacts and amends RCW 13.34.030, which establishes definitions used across child welfare statutes. It directly affects child welfare cases, including dependency proceedings, foster care placements, and decisions about child safety. The amendment aims to clarify legal standards for determining when immediate intervention is necessary to protect children from physical harm.
Bill status
in committee
2 of 4 stages cleared
Introduction
Jan 2026
Committee Review
Jan 2026
House Failed
Feb 2026
Governor
Introduced Jan 15, 2026
Last action Jan 27, 2026
Floor votes · House Feb 16, 2026
How they voted
41–57
Failed · 2 other
Total votes 100
Feb 16, 2026
D
Democratic61
93% Nay
R
Republican39
100% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea
All Nay
Mixed
No data
Full legislative history
Actions timeline
Total actions
3
Key actions
1
Committee
1
Feb 16, 2026
Vote failed
House Vote: fail (41-57-2)
house
Jan 27, 2026
Lower · Passed
Public hearing in the House Committee on Early Learning & Human Services at 1:30 PM.
lower
1 primary · 3 co-sponsors
Sponsors
Role
Legislator
Party
State
District
P
Tom Dent
RRepublican
Co
Carolyn Eslick
RRepublican
Co
Kristine Reeves
DDemocratic
Co
Stephanie Barnard
RRepublican
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