WashingtonHB 25432025-2026 Regular SessionHouse

Concerning county clerk fees.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 2 mixed.

No fees for sex offender records to police

Beginning June 11, 2026, public agencies cannot charge law enforcement for preparing, copying, or mailing certified sex offender records. This applies when records are needed for risk checks, failure-to-register cases, or to keep the registration file.

Fees for civil arbitration and new trials

Beginning June 11, 2026, counties may set a civil arbitration filing fee up to $250. Of each fee, $220 funds the arbitration program and $30 funds indigent defense. If you request a trial de novo after arbitration, you pay a local fee set by the county, capped at $400.

New jury fees in civil and criminal cases

Beginning June 11, 2026, a civil party pays $125 when asking for a six-person jury or $250 for a 12-person jury. If the jury size is increased from six to 12, the party who asked for the increase pays an extra $125. In criminal cases, upon conviction the court may charge $125 for a six-person jury or $250 for a 12-person jury as costs.

Updated clerk copy and service fees

Beginning June 11, 2026, certified copies cost $5 for the first page and $1 per extra page; unsealed copies cost $0.50 per page. Extra seals cost $2 each; exhibit photos are $5 each; digital exhibit copies are $25 each; and copies on electronic media are $5 per item. Clerks may add actual postage plus a $2 handling fee. Other set charges apply, like up to $30 per hour for research, $30 to process ex parte orders, $25 per court date for audio or video copies, $200 for an extension of judgment, and $20 to file a will.

Extra divorce filing fee funds domestic violence services

Beginning June 11, 2026, the first petition for divorce, legal separation, or to confirm a marriage adds a $54 fee. The clerk sends $48 of each fee to the state domestic violence prevention account each month. Counties keep $6 to support community domestic violence services, and courts may keep up to 5% of that $6 for admin costs. Counties must report these dollars and spending to DSHS each year by December 15.

Clerk fee revenue kept by counties

Beginning June 11, 2026, clerk fee revenue under this section is not split under other laws; it stays with counties as provided here. The same revenue counts as full reimbursement for the state’s share of superior court judges’ benefits paid before July 24, 2005. Counties cannot make more claims against the state for those past benefits.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Gerry Pollet
Democratic • House

Cosponsors

Janice Zahn
Democratic • House
Osman Salahuddin
Democratic • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 112 • No: 31

Senate vote • 3/3/2026

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 33 • No: 15 • Other: 1

House vote • 2/11/2026