The bill aims to address the increasing court capacity issues related to unlawful detainer actions in Washington by allowing superior courts to appoint housing court commissioners. This initiative is in response to a significant rise in eviction filings, which has created delays in court proceedings and added burdens for both landlords and tenants. The legislation emphasizes the importance of the right to counsel program for low-income renters, which has been shown to reduce the risk of homelessness. The bill encourages superior courts to coordinate their dockets with right to counsel assignments and to consider the availability of these attorneys when expanding their dockets.

To implement this, the bill introduces several new sections to chapters 59.18 and 59.20 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). It allows superior courts to appoint housing court commissioners, who will be responsible for handling unlawful detainer actions, conducting hearings, and making reports that become part of the court record. The appointments require the consent of the county legislative authority and must be made by a majority vote of the judges. Additionally, the bill mandates that these commissioners receive training on relevant landlord-tenant laws and procedures. The act is declared an emergency measure, taking effect immediately to ensure timely relief for the affected parties.