Wash. Rev. Code » Title 26 · Chapter 26.44
Revised Code of Washington

Wash. Rev. Code § 26.44.015 (2026)

Limitations of chapter

✓ current as of May 2026
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(1) This chapter shall not be construed to authorize interference with child-raising practices, including reasonable parental discipline, which are not injurious to the child's health, welfare, or safety.
(2) Nothing in this chapter may be used to prohibit the reasonable use of corporal punishment as a means of discipline.
(3) No parent or guardian may be deemed abusive or neglectful solely by reason of the parent's or child's blindness, deafness, developmental disability, or other disability.
[ 2020 c 274 s 8; 2005 c 512 s 4; 1999 c 176 s 28; 1997 c 386 s 23; 1993 c 412 s 11.]

Notes:

Finding—Intent—Effective date—Short title—2005 c 512: See notes following RCW 26.44.100.
Findings—Purpose—Severability—Conflict with federal requirements—1999 c 176: See notes following RCW 74.34.005.
Application—Effective date—1997 c 386: See notes following RCW 13.50.010.
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 8 cases (2 in the last 5 years), 1999–2026 · leading case: B.S. v. Dep't of Soc. & Health Servs., 973 P.2d 474 (Wash. Ct. App. 1999).
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B.S. v. Dep't of Soc. & Health Servs., 973 P.2d 474 (Wash. Ct. App. 1999). · cites it 7× “RCW 26.44.015(3): B.S. and L.S. next contend the State failed to establish RCW 13.”
In Re Dependency of Schermer, 169 P.3d 452 (Wash. 2007). “In support, the State cites RCW 26.44.015(3) ("No parent or guardian may be deemed abusive or neglectful solely by reason of the parent's or child's blindness, deafness, developmental disability, or other handicap.”
In Re Hs, 973 P.2d 474 (Wash. Ct. App. 1999). · cites it 8× “RCW 26.44.015(3): B.S. and L.S. next contend the State failed to establish RCW 13.”
In Re The Dependency Of: J.g. (Wash. Ct. App. 2020). “” RCW 26.44.015(2). “A parent has the right to use reasonable and timely punishment to discipline a minor child within the bounds of moderation and for the best interest of the child.”
Christine Crabtree, V. Donald Crabtree (Wash. Ct. App. 2025). “RCW 26.44.015(2). Additionally, “the physical discipline of a child is not unlawful when it is reasonable and moderate and is inflicted by a parent or guardian for the purposes of restraining or correcting the child.”
State of Washington v. Andrew Russell Cordle (Wash. Ct. App. 2026). “3 Cordle, citing RCW 26.44.015(1), argues that parental discipline is lawful if it is “not injurious to a child’s health, welfare, or safety,” and the State failed to prove that his discipline of T.”
Gregory Tayloe-mccandless v. Dept. Of Soc. & Health Svcs (Wash. Ct. App. 2015). “The Legislature also clearly expressed its intent to insulate a parent from allegations of child abuse or neglect based solely on the existence of a parent's disability or handicap.”
Coleman v. Dep't of Soc. & Health Servs., 102 P.3d 860 (Wash. Ct. App. 2004). “f 19 But RCW 26.44.015 limits the reach of the law by providing: (1) This chapter shall not be construed to authorize interference with child-raising practices, including reasonable parental discipline, which are not injurious to the child’s health, welfare, and safety.”
— Wash. Rev. Code § 26.44.015(1) — 1 case
State of Washington v. Andrew Russell Cordle (Wash. Ct. App. 2026). “3 Cordle, citing RCW 26.44.015(1), argues that parental discipline is lawful if it is “not injurious to a child’s health, welfare, or safety,” and the State failed to prove that his discipline of T.”
— Wash. Rev. Code § 26.44.015(2) — 2 cases
In Re The Dependency Of: J.g. (Wash. Ct. App. 2020). “” RCW 26.44.015(2). “A parent has the right to use reasonable and timely punishment to discipline a minor child within the bounds of moderation and for the best interest of the child.”
Christine Crabtree, V. Donald Crabtree (Wash. Ct. App. 2025). “RCW 26.44.015(2). Additionally, “the physical discipline of a child is not unlawful when it is reasonable and moderate and is inflicted by a parent or guardian for the purposes of restraining or correcting the child.”
— Wash. Rev. Code § 26.44.015(3) — 4 cases
B.S. v. Dep't of Soc. & Health Servs., 973 P.2d 474 (Wash. Ct. App. 1999). “RCW 26.44.015(3): B.S. and L.S. next contend the State failed to establish RCW 13.”
In Re Dependency of Schermer, 169 P.3d 452 (Wash. 2007). “In support, the State cites RCW 26.44.015(3) ("No parent or guardian may be deemed abusive or neglectful solely by reason of the parent's or child's blindness, deafness, developmental disability, or other handicap.”
In Re Hs, 973 P.2d 474 (Wash. Ct. App. 1999). “RCW 26.44.015(3): B.S. and L.S. next contend the State failed to establish RCW 13.”
Gregory Tayloe-mccandless v. Dept. Of Soc. & Health Svcs (Wash. Ct. App. 2015). “The Legislature also clearly expressed its intent to insulate a parent from allegations of child abuse or neglect based solely on the existence of a parent's disability or handicap.”
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