The bill amends RCW 36.23.070, which governs the retention and disposal of court exhibits by county clerks. It allows a county clerk to apply to the superior court for an order to dispose of exhibits more than five years after the final judgment in a case, reducing the previous time frame from six years. Upon receiving the court's authorization, the clerk can turn over exhibits of possible value to the sheriff for disposal according to chapter 63.40 RCW and destroy other exhibits, unopened depositions, and reporters' notes filed in the case.

Additionally, the bill specifies that reporters' notes in criminal cases must be preserved for at least 15 years, a change from the previous requirement of "fifteen" years. It also includes a provision that any exhibits deemed to have historical value may be delivered by the clerk to libraries or historical societies, ensuring that items of significance are preserved for public access.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 36.23.070