The proposed bill establishes a Court Unification Task Force in Washington State to address the inefficiencies and inequities present in the current court system. The task force will conduct a comprehensive analysis of disparate local court rules, technology adoption, and funding levels, with the goal of identifying areas where a more unified approach could enhance efficiency and accessibility for all users of the court system. The task force will consist of a diverse group of members, including legislative representatives, judicial members, and individuals from various legal and community organizations, ensuring a broad range of perspectives are included in the discussions.
The task force is required to hold its first meeting by October 1, 2025, and complete its work by December 31, 2028. It will submit a preliminary report by June 30, 2026, and a final report by June 30, 2027, which will propose specific solutions for improving resource efficiency and harmonizing court policies. The task force will also have the authority to form subcommittees to focus on specific issues and may hire staff or contract for professional assistance as needed. This chapter of the law is set to expire on December 31, 2028.