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. Additionally, the bill specifies that reporters' notes in criminal cases must be preserved for at least 15 years, updating the previous requirement of fifteen years in written form.

Furthermore, the bill includes a provision that allows exhibits deemed to have historical value to be delivered to libraries or historical societies, ensuring that items of significance are preserved for public access. This legislative change aims to streamline the process of managing court exhibits while also recognizing the importance of preserving certain materials for historical purposes.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 36.23.070
Bill as Passed Legislature: 36.23.070
Session Law: 36.23.070