The bill establishes a claims commission within the office of administrative hearings to manage the rising number of tort claims against the Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF), particularly those related to historical childhood abuse. This initiative aims to alleviate a projected shortfall of $1.3 to $1.4 billion in the state's liability account by providing a structured process for resolving claims that have surged significantly in recent years. The commission will consist of appointed members, including an administrative law judge, and will have the authority to accept claims, conduct discovery, and issue awards, while the state retains sovereign immunity from tort claims within the commission's jurisdiction.

Additionally, the bill amends several sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) to enhance the management of liability claims against the state. Key amendments include allowing the attorney general to settle claims in administrative proceedings before the claims commission and stipulating that payments for claims can only be authorized by the office of risk management, contingent upon certified copies of final orders. The bill also establishes a centralized claim tracking system and a risk management administration account to cover associated costs, while outlining the responsibilities of the office of the state actuary. Furthermore, it introduces expiration dates for certain provisions and repeals outdated sections to streamline the legal framework governing risk management and liability claims in Washington state.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 4.92.100, 34.05.425, 34.12.040, 4.92.040, 4.92.075, 4.92.090, 4.92.110, 4.92.130, 4.92.150, 4.92.160, 4.92.210, 4.92.220, 44.44.040