Information

Type: Legal Notice

Department: BOCC - Board of County Commissioners

Directors' Update: July 29, 2026

Business Meeting: Aug. 4, 2026

Summary:

Lewis County is scheduling a hearing for Ordinance 1384, which would add Chapter 9.50 - Mistreatment of Children and Dependent Persons - to Lewis County Code to establish rules and penalties for endangerment with an opioid controlled substance

Publications: The Chronicle: Aug. 11, 2026

Cover Letter To:

Additional Copies To: Scott Gripp, Tammy Martin

Resolution

WHEREAS, the Lewis County Board of Commissioners (BOCC) has reviewed data published by the Center for Health Statistics at the Washington State Department of Health that demonstrates that opioid controlled substances are attributable to the deaths of at least 150 people in Lewis County since 2022; and

WHEREAS, the BOCC finds that the exposure of children and dependent persons to opioid controlled substances - particularly fentanyl and other synthetic opioids - poses a significant and growing threat to public health and safety; and

WHEREAS, as allowed per RCW 36.32.120, the BOCC may make and enforce appropriate police and sanitary regulations; and

WHEREAS, the BOCC is considering adoption of Ordinance 1384, which would add Chapter 9.50 - Mistreatment of Children and Dependent Persons - to Lewis County Code to establish rules and penalties for endangerment with an opioid controlled substance; and

WHEREAS, the hearing for proposed Ordinance 1384 will take place in the Commissioners' Hearing Room at or after 10 a.m. Aug. 25, 2026. Written comment may be submitted in person at the BOCC, 351 NW North Street, Room 210, Chehalis, WA 98532 or via email at bocc@lewiscountywa.gov beginning at 10 a.m. Aug. 4, 2026. Written comment must be clearly marked “Written comment for Ordinance 1384” and must be received by 10 a.m. Aug. 23, 2026.

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the BOCC (1) will hold a hearing regarding proposed Ordinance 1384 at or after 10 a.m. Aug. 25, 2026; and (2) directs the Clerk of the Board to proceed with all appropriate and necessary notifications, postings and publications as required by law.

DONE IN OPEN SESSION this 4th day of August, 2026.