OLYMPIA, Wash. – Washington State lawmakers have passed a bill allowing youth shelters or host homes to take in runaways or kids seeking gender affirming care without informing their parents.

Under Senate Bill 5599, shelters would not be required to notify parents if there is a “compelling reason” not to.

Those reasons include but are not limited to instances where notification could lead to abuse or neglect of the minor.

Protected health care services under the bill include gender affirming or reproductive care.

Facilities that would not contact parents would have to notify the state Department of Children, Youth and Families instead.

The bill is headed to Governor Jay Inslee’s desk.