The bill amends RCW 36.18.020 to update the fee structure for superior court clerks in Washington State. It introduces new provisions regarding the collection of surcharges on filing fees, specifying that clerks must collect a $30 surcharge on certain appeal filing fees and a $40 surcharge on most other filing fees, with specific exceptions. Additionally, a new $50 surcharge is established for filing fees related to civil actions, petitions for judicial review, and other specified filings, with a portion of this surcharge allocated to the Washington state legacy project and the judicial stabilization trust account.

The bill also clarifies that no fees will be assessed if an order of dismissal is filed as per the rules of the supreme court. It maintains existing exemptions from fees for certain filings, such as petitions for relinquishment of parental rights and abstracts of judgment filed for the collection of legal financial obligations. Overall, the amendments aim to enhance the funding for judicial operations while ensuring that certain vulnerable populations, such as indigent defendants, are not unduly burdened by court fees.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 36.18.020
Substitute Bill: 36.18.020
Second Substitute: 36.18.020
Bill as Passed Legislature: 36.18.020
Session Law: 36.18.020