The proposed bill establishes the "Uniform Consumer Debt Default Judgments Act," which aims to standardize the process for obtaining default judgments in actions related to consumer debt. It introduces several key definitions, including terms such as "consumer," "creditor," "debt purchaser," and "medical debt," to clarify the scope of the law. The bill outlines specific requirements for complaints in default judgment actions, mandating that they include detailed information about the consumer, the debt, and the plaintiff's authority to collect the debt. Additionally, it requires that consumers receive a notice warning them of the potential consequences of a default judgment, including the possibility of wage garnishment and the long-term impact on their credit.

Furthermore, the bill includes provisions that allow courts to deny motions for default judgments if plaintiffs fail to comply with the outlined requirements. It also states that any waiver of these requirements by a consumer is void, ensuring that consumers are protected under this law. The bill amends existing legislation, specifically RCW 19.16.260, to align with the new requirements and emphasizes the importance of uniformity in application across jurisdictions. Overall, the act seeks to enhance consumer protections in debt collection processes while providing clear guidelines for creditors and debt purchasers.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 19.16.260