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WashingtonHB 13612025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Updating process service requirements.

Sponsored By: Natasha Hill (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

New legal notice routes for businesses

Beginning July 27, 2025, Washington allows legal papers, notices, and demands to reach represented entities through its registered-agent law. The law removes the separate service rule for corporations without an officer in Washington who can receive papers. Plaintiffs can serve a summons by publication on nonregistered out-of-state entities that cannot be found in Washington but own property there. The plaintiff, agent, or attorney must file the required affidavit and follow the existing publication rules. These routes help plaintiffs pursue claims and bring affected entities into court proceedings.

State receives lawsuit papers for drivers

Beginning July 27, 2025, Washington updates how its secretary of state receives lawsuit papers for vehicle cases. Nonresidents appoint the secretary by driving on Washington public highways or allowing their vehicles there with express or implied consent. This covers claims arising from accidents, collisions, or liability tied to that use. It also covers Washington drivers who cannot be found in the state after a diligent search within the following three years. Notice and lawsuit papers must go to the defendant's last known address by registered mail with a return receipt requested. An affidavit confirming compliance must accompany the papers, and the secretary must mail a copy within eight business days of receipt. The secretary keeps service records and can charge a fee set by rule; winning plaintiffs can recover that fee as court costs.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Natasha Hill

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Jamila Taylor

    Democratic • House

  • Mary Fosse

    Democratic • House

  • Timm Ormsby

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 146 • No: 0

Senate vote • 4/2/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 49 • No: 0

House vote • 3/5/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 97 • No: 0 • Other: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 7/27/2025.

    4/11/2025House

  2. Chapter 40, 2025 Laws.

    4/11/2025House

  3. Governor signed.

    4/11/2025legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    4/8/2025legislature

  5. President signed.

    4/7/2025legislature

  6. Speaker signed.

    4/4/2025legislature

  7. Third reading, passed; yeas, 49; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    4/2/2025House

  8. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    4/2/2025House

  9. Placed on second reading consent calendar.

    3/26/2025House

  10. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    3/24/2025House

  11. LAW - Majority; do pass.

    3/20/2025House

  12. First reading, referred to Law & Justice.

    3/7/2025House

  13. Third reading, passed; yeas, 97; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    3/5/2025House

  14. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/5/2025House

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

    3/4/2025House

  16. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    2/13/2025House

  17. CRJ - Executive action taken by committee.

    2/12/2025House

  18. CRJ - Majority; do pass.

    2/12/2025House

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

    1/17/2025House

  20. Introduced

    1/17/2025House

Bill Text

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