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WashingtonHB 24282025-2026 Regular SessionHouseWALLET

Preventing unintentional lapses and cancellations of life insurance policies.

Sponsored By: Mari Leavitt (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Backup insurance contacts and liability limits

For covered individual life policies issued on or after January 1, 2027, applicants can name a backup contact for lapse or termination notices. Insurers must explain this option in writing when applicants apply. Applicants or policyholders can name someone at application or while coverage stays active, giving the person’s name and address in writing. This option excludes group policies, policies billed monthly or more often, and term policies lasting one year or less. Naming a contact does not require that person to notify anyone, pay premiums, or act after receiving a notice. The contact also owes no compensation for a lapse or cancellation solely because they were named. The designation does not make the insurer liable to that contact for failing to send a required notice.

Life insurance warnings and payment grace

For covered individual life policies issued on or after January 1, 2027, insurers must warn policyholders before coverage ends for nonpayment. Written notice must reach the policyholder’s last known address and any named backup contact at least 30 days before a possible lapse. Insurers must obtain proof of delivery and show it on request. The notice rule excludes group policies, policies billed monthly or more often, and term policies lasting one year or less. The law also requires at least 30 days of payment grace after the first premium, with coverage staying active. Insurers may charge up to 6% yearly interest on overdue premiums for grace-period days before payment. Unpaid premiums and accrued interest may be deducted from a claim settlement during that period.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Mari Leavitt

    Democratic • House

Cosponsors

  • Kristine Reeves

    Democratic • House

  • Lisa Parshley

    Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 142 • No: 0

Senate vote • 3/4/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 48 • No: 0 • Other: 1

House vote • 2/12/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 94 • No: 0 • Other: 4

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 1/1/2027.

    3/16/2026House

  2. Chapter 62, 2026 Laws.

    3/16/2026House

  3. Governor signed.

    3/16/2026legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    3/6/2026legislature

  5. President signed.

    3/6/2026legislature

  6. Speaker signed.

    3/5/2026legislature

  7. Third reading, passed; yeas, 48; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 1.

    3/4/2026House

  8. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/4/2026House

  9. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    2/27/2026House

  10. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    2/20/2026House

  11. BTE - Majority; do pass.

    2/19/2026House

  12. First reading, referred to Business, Trade & Economic Development.

    2/16/2026House

  13. Third reading, passed; yeas, 94; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 4.

    2/12/2026House

  14. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    2/12/2026House

  15. 1st substitute bill substituted.

    2/12/2026House

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

    2/11/2026House

  17. CPB - Executive action taken by committee.

    2/4/2026House

  18. CPB - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.

    2/4/2026House

  19. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    2/4/2026House

  20. First reading, referred to Consumer Protection & Business.

    1/13/2026House

  21. Introduced

    1/13/2026House

Bill Text

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