This bill aims to prohibit interest charges on new and unpaid medical debt in Washington State. It amends several sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), specifically RCW 19.52.010, 6.17.020, 4.56.190, and 4.56.210. Notably, it inserts language stating that "interest may not be charged or collected on new or unpaid medical debt" after the effective date of the section. Additionally, it establishes that if a judgment includes any amount of medical debt, execution, garnishment, or any other legal process for enforcement may only be issued within six years from the date of entry, and such judgments cannot be extended.

Furthermore, the bill clarifies that liens arising from judgments that include medical debt will expire six years from the date of entry and cannot be renewed or extended. This change is intended to provide relief to individuals burdened by medical debt, ensuring that they are not subject to ongoing interest charges and that the enforcement of such debts is limited in duration. The amendments reflect a significant shift in how medical debt is treated under Washington law, aiming to alleviate financial pressure on consumers.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 19.52.010, 6.17.020, 4.56.190, 4.56.210