OLYMPIA, Wash. – Minors seeking gender-affirming care in Washington state will now be protected from the intervention of estranged parents.

The new law, signed by Governor Inslee, is part of a wave of legislation intended to give refuge amid a conservative movement in which lawmakers in other states have attacked transgender rights and limited or banned gender-affirming care for minors.

Licensed shelters and host homes in Washington had generally been required to notify parents within 72 hours when a minor came into their care.

Under the new law, facilities can instead contact the Washington State Department of Children, Youth and Families, which could then attempt to reunify the family if possible.

Youths will also be allowed to stay at host homes, which are private volunteer homes that temporarily house young people without parental permission.

But Republican lawmakers have spent weeks railing against the legislation.

Senate GOP leader John Braun said in March that it would drive a wedge between vulnerable kids and their parents.

The bill does not address custody and would not result in the state taking children away from their homes and parents.