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WashingtonSB 57202025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Enacting the uniform consumer debt default judgments act.

Sponsored By: Jamie Pedersen (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Clearer notice before a default judgment

Every complaint served on you must include a clear consumer notice in at least 10‑point type. It warns that not answering can lead to a default judgment, lists collection tools like property sale, bank account attachment, wage garnishment, and liens, and says a judgment can last up to 20 years. It also provides legal help or attorney‑referral contacts. The law limits use of electronic delivery for these required notices. These rules apply to cases filed starting January 1, 2027.

Courts can toss weak default cases

Courts can deny default or default judgment if collectors do not follow these rules. The court can give 30 days to file a fixed complaint, then dismiss the case without prejudice if it is not fixed. Any attempt to make you waive these protections is void. Voluntary settlements or agreed judgments still count if they are not defaults. These protections start January 1, 2027.

New rules for consumer debt defaults

The law creates a standard set of rules for default judgments in consumer debt cases. It covers unsecured debts and money‑only claims on secured debts, including medical and purchased debt. It does not cover repossessions, foreclosures, or government collections. Starting January 1, 2027, cases filed must follow these rules.

Stronger proof to win by default

To get a default judgment, collectors must file a detailed complaint and attach records that prove the debt. The complaint must list the creditor, your last known address, last four digits of the account, last payment or transaction date, charge‑off or default date, the balance, and an itemized breakdown. It must say if the judgment can grow after entry due to interest or attorneys’ fees, and name the provider for medical debt. They must attach a signed agreement or the most recent monthly statement; for breach of contract, they must attach the terms in effect. Debt buyers must attach the full chain of assignments. If a bad complaint is fixed, it must be re‑served. These rules apply to cases filed on or after January 1, 2027.

Stronger rules for debt buyers and collectors

If a debt buyer sues, the complaint must say who bought the debt, when, from whom, and whether it was ever sold without accuracy warranties. For non‑revolving accounts, it must list when the debt was incurred. Breaking these rules while collecting purchased debt is an unfair practice under state law and can bring penalties. Collection agencies that sue in Washington must allege and prove they are licensed and bonded; a current license copy counts as proof. That proof is not required when the judgment is entered by default. These changes start January 1, 2027.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Jamie Pedersen

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Judy Warnick

    Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 140 • No: 1

House vote • 3/4/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 93 • No: 1 • Other: 4

Senate vote • 2/5/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 47 • No: 0 • Other: 2

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 1/1/2027.

    3/18/2026Senate

  2. Chapter 107, 2026 Laws.

    3/18/2026Senate

  3. Governor signed.

    3/18/2026legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    3/9/2026legislature

  5. President signed.

    3/5/2026legislature

  6. Speaker signed.

    3/5/2026legislature

  7. Third reading, passed; yeas, 93; nays, 1; absent, 0; excused, 4.

    3/4/2026Senate

  8. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/4/2026Senate

  9. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

    2/27/2026Senate

  10. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    2/25/2026Senate

  11. CRJ - Majority; do pass.

    2/24/2026Senate

  12. CRJ - Executive action taken by committee.

    2/24/2026Senate

  13. First reading, referred to Civil Rights & Judiciary.

    2/9/2026Senate

  14. Third reading, passed; yeas, 47; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 2.

    2/5/2026Senate

  15. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/5/2026Senate

  16. 1st substitute bill substituted.

    2/5/2026Senate

  17. Placed on second reading consent calendar.

    2/4/2026Senate

  18. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    1/23/2026Senate

  19. LAW - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

    1/22/2026Senate

  20. By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.

    1/12/2026Senate

  21. First reading, referred to Law & Justice.

    2/10/2025Senate

Bill Text

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