The bill aims to address the backlog of unlawful detainer actions in Washington state courts, which has been exacerbated by pandemic-related legislative and gubernatorial responses. It introduces new provisions to improve the unlawful detainer process, including the appointment of attorneys as court commissioners in each county to help manage these cases. The bill amends several sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), specifically RCW 59.12.050, 59.18.050, 59.18.380, and 59.18.640, to enhance the jurisdiction and operational capacity of the courts in handling landlord-tenant disputes.

Key amendments include the requirement for defendants to answer motions for writs of restitution, the establishment of a timeline for court proceedings, and the appointment of attorneys for indigent tenants in unlawful detainer cases. Additionally, the bill allocates $5,250,000 from the general fund for a grant program to support counties in funding commissioner positions related to these unlawful detainer actions. The bill emphasizes the need for documented verification of income for those qualifying as indigent and prioritizes legal representation for tenants at higher risk of eviction.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 59.12.050, 59.18.050, 59.18.380, 59.18.640