WashingtonHB 21782025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Concerning court rules and procedures.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 3 mixed.

Civil infraction fines and payment plans

Class 1 fines are $250. Some class 1 offenses are higher: $500 for dangerous litter, misusing service animal status, or untraceable firearm issues; $1,000 for refusing certain tests on the water or not reporting a lost or stolen firearm. Class 2 is $125, class 3 is $50, and class 4 is $25. These amounts do not include added statutory assessments. Fines are due right away unless the court gives more time; if you do not pay on time, the court can collect like a civil judgment and may tell the prosecutor. You can ask for a payment plan any time. The court must give a plan if it finds you cannot pay in full, you have not had a plan for this same debt, and collections are not already authorized; if collections are authorized, a plan is up to the court. Courts can also order restitution to victims.

Longer response time and filing safeguards

You have more time to respond to a ticket: 30 days if handed to you, or 33 days if mailed. The notice must be filed with the court within five days after it is issued; weekends and holidays do not count. If filing is late, the court must dismiss the case without prejudice when you move to dismiss, unless the court finds good cause.

New county clerk funding; old rule repealed

The state treasurer must send any money the legislature sets aside for county clerk collection budgets to counties by October 1 each year, using the funding formula recommended by the Washington Association of County Officials. The law also repeals a prior statute that set rules for collecting and distributing legal financial obligation funds.

Wider mischief coverage, higher charge threshold

The law expands what counts as physical damage in mischief cases. It includes changing or erasing records or computer programs, and interfering with computers or computer‑based services. It also counts lower property value and repair costs. When damage to multiple items comes from one plan, values can be added. It now must total more than $750 to charge second‑degree mischief (up from $250).

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

My-Linh Thai
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Cindy Ryu
Democratic • House
Hunter Abell
Republican • House
Janice Zahn
Democratic • House
Julia Reed
Democratic • House
Kristine Reeves
Democratic • House
Mary Fosse
Democratic • House
Tarra Simmons
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 128 • No: 17

Senate vote • 3/6/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 39 • No: 9 • Other: 1

House vote • 1/29/2026