The bill seeks to enhance and fund the foreclosure mediation program in Washington State by amending various sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) and introducing new provisions. Key insertions include definitions for terms such as "Assessment," "Association," and "Unit owner," which clarify the roles and responsibilities of parties involved in foreclosure mediation. The legislation establishes a framework for unit owners facing delinquency in assessments to receive assistance from housing counselors, who will prepare them for meetings with associations and advise on alternatives to foreclosure. It also outlines a structured mediation process, requiring a "meet and confer" session between the unit owner and the association prior to mediation, and specifies timelines for mediation referrals to ensure timely access to services.

Additionally, the bill modifies existing laws related to the collection of unpaid assessments by associations, mandating timely notices to unit owners when assessments become delinquent. Associations must send a notice of delinquency within 30 days of an assessment being past due, which includes information on potential consequences and available resources for assistance. The bill also establishes conditions under which associations may initiate foreclosure proceedings, ensuring that certain notices are sent and that mediation is completed before foreclosure actions can proceed. Furthermore, it emphasizes transparency and accountability by requiring associations to retain records for seven years and provide free access to certain information in multiple languages, thereby enhancing protections for unit owners while allowing associations to enforce their rights.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 61.24.005, 61.24.160, 61.24.163, 61.24.166, 61.24.165, 61.24.172
Substitute Bill: 61.24.005, 61.24.160, 61.24.163, 61.24.166, 61.24.165, 61.24.172
Second Substitute: 61.24.005, 61.24.160, 61.24.163, 61.24.166, 61.24.165, 61.24.172
Engrossed Second Substitute: 61.24.005, 61.24.163, 61.24.165, 61.24.172, 64.32.200, 64.34.364, 64.38.100, 64.90.485
Bill as Passed Legislature: 61.24.005, 61.24.163, 61.24.165, 61.24.172, 64.32.200, 64.34.364, 64.38.100, 64.90.485, 64.32.170, 64.34.372, 64.38.045, 64.90.495
Session Law: 61.24.005, 61.24.163, 61.24.165, 61.24.172, 64.32.200, 64.34.364, 64.38.100, 64.90.485, 64.32.170, 64.34.372, 64.38.045, 64.90.495