The bill amends RCW 12.40.060, which outlines the requirements for notices in small claims actions. The updated language specifies that the notice of claim directed to the defendant must include the name and address of the plaintiff, a brief statement of the nature and amount of the claim, a directive for the defendant to appear personally in the small claims department at a specified time (not less than five days from the date of service), and an advisory statement regarding the consequences of failing to appear.

A significant change in the bill is the modification of the language concerning the potential outcome if the defendant does not appear. The phrase "judgment will" has been replaced with "judgment may," indicating that the court has discretion in determining whether to issue a judgment against the defendant for the amount of the claim in the event of their absence. This change aims to provide a more flexible approach to handling cases where defendants fail to appear in small claims court.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 12.40.060