New law targets parents, guardians of kids who make trouble in Richland
Richland parents face the possibility of being charged with misdemeanors if they fail to supervise children causing trouble.
The city council adopted a “failure to supervise” ordinance this month that was modeled on rules already in place in Kennewick and Pasco.
It gives police authority to cite parents in unusual cases when unsupervised kids are considered a danger to themselves or others, or are committing crimes, such as painting graffiti.
The ordinance was requested by Richland Police Chief Marty Pilcher, who cited a rise in misconduct by juveniles, including repeat juvenile offenses and unlawful riding of motorbikes and e-bikes on streets, sidewalks and in neighborhoods.
The ordinance emphasizes reasonableness and would not penalize parents who allow kids to play in parks, say city officials.
New Richland ordinance
It is unlawful for parents, legal guardian or any other person having the care or custody of a child, whether temporary or permanent, to:
- Fail to properly supervise and care for the child, in that such failure of supervision or care contributes to the child violating any law of the U.S., the state of Washington, or any Richland or Benton County ordinance.
- Fail to exercise proper parental control of a child age 12 or younger by leaving the child without adult supervision for unreasonable periods of time, or leaving them unattended under circumstances which create a risk of bodily harm to the child.
- Neglect, inflict cruelty or depravity upon or fail to provide a fit place for the child to live.
- Allow the child to be truant in violation of school attendance laws.
The ordinance passed 5-0 on second reading, with Mayor Theresa Richardson and Councilman Kurt Maier absent.