The bill aims to address the increasing court capacity issues related to unlawful detainer actions in Washington by authorizing superior courts to appoint housing court commissioners. The legislation recognizes the significant rise in eviction filings, which has created delays in court proceedings and adversely affected both landlords and tenants. It emphasizes the importance of the right to counsel program for low-income renters and seeks to improve the efficiency of handling unlawful detainer cases by allowing superior courts, with county legislative authority consent, to appoint trained and unbiased housing court commissioners.

The bill includes several new sections to chapters 59.18 and 59.20 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). These sections outline the process for appointing housing court commissioners, their qualifications, and the duties they may perform, such as receiving applications, holding hearings, and making reports related to unlawful detainer actions. The appointments require a majority vote from the judges of the superior court and are subject to oversight by the presiding judge. The act is declared an emergency measure, taking effect immediately to ensure the timely preservation of public peace, health, and safety.