The bill seeks to improve the effectiveness of judicial orders as harm reduction tools for survivors of abuse while bolstering law enforcement's enforcement capabilities. It amends the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) to facilitate the electronic submission of protection order petitions and related documents, with a full implementation deadline of January 1, 2026. The legislation mandates electronic notifications for petitioners and respondents regarding the status of their petitions, including court appearance reminders and order processing updates. Additionally, it requires the submission of a confidential document with petitions to assist in identifying and notifying involved parties, ensuring this information remains exempt from public disclosure.

Moreover, the bill enhances the legal framework for addressing domestic violence and harassment by granting courts broad discretion in issuing protection orders and detailing various forms of relief. It specifies that petitioners should not incur fees for filing or service of process and emphasizes the prioritization of ex parte temporary protection orders. The bill also introduces provisions related to firearm possession, stating that a restrained person cannot modify or terminate an ex parte protection order without notifying the protected party. It expands the definition of unlawful firearm possession and mandates that all protection orders issued after December 31, 2025, must be typewritten in their entirety, with an effective date for the provisions set for March 31, 2026. Overall, these changes aim to streamline the protection order process and enhance safety for survivors of abuse.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 7.105.105, 7.105.405, 7.105.500, 9.41.040
Substitute Bill: 7.105.105, 7.105.405, 7.105.500, 9.41.040
Engrossed Substitute: 7.105.105, 7.105.405, 7.105.500, 9.41.040
Bill as Passed Legislature: 7.105.105, 7.105.405, 7.105.500, 9.41.040
Session Law: 7.105.105, 7.105.405, 7.105.500, 9.41.040