Which laws passed during the 2026 Washington State Legislative session impact the Courts of Limited Jurisdiction, and what are those impacts? 

 

Several bills passed during the 2026 legislative session impacting the Courts of Limited Jurisdiction (CLJ) 

 

This Answer contains: 

  • The Bill Number and a link to the complete text of the bill from the Washington State Legislature’s Web site. 
  • A summary of the changes or additions created by the bill.
  • Court Awareness/Court Impact/Court Action section addresses the specific system, code, law table, or form changes due to the bill.  Also provided are the related links to updated documentation in the online manuals and links to eService Answers with additional information or instructions related to the bill, if applicable. 
  • Effective date of the law. 
  • Updated items will be documented with *** and the updated item will be highlighted. 
  • Select the bill name in the table of contents below to advance directly to the details for the bill. 

 

 

TABLE OF CONTENTS

 

HB 1155 – Noncompetition and Non-Solicitation Agreements  

  • Bill # 1155
  • Summary – Amends Chapter 49.62 RCW (Noncompetition Covenants) broadening the definition of noncompetition covenants, deeming them void and unenforceable, barring attempts to impose or enforce noncompetition covenants, requiring current and specified former employees be notified of unenforceability, narrowing the definition and permissible uses of non-solicitation agreements, and retaining aggrieved employees/former employees’ right to sue for violations.
  • Court Awareness – This bill creates a new civil action.
  • Use existing Civil Cause of Action Code:  OTH - Other.  
  • Effective – June 30, 2027

 

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HB 1916 – Amending Voter Registration Challenges and Manages Voter Registration Lists  

  • Bill # 1916
  • Summary – Amends Chapter 29A.08 RCW (Voters and Registration) modifying provisions for removing deceased voters from voter registration rolls, canceling inactive registrations, and challenging another’s right to vote on grounds that they do not reside at the address shown on their registration; limits who may challenge and clarifies the procedure and criteria; requires noncompliant challenges be dismissed, permits initial review of merits before notifying the voter of a challenge, and authorizes the county auditor to dismiss challenges they deem likely to fail on merits; mandates that the challenged voter be notified of compliant challenges and how to confirm eligibility and be afforded opportunity to cure; provides for administrative hearings, mandates ineligibility be proven beyond a reasonable doubt (even if challenged voter fails to appear) and requires dismissal if the proponent fails to appear; makes it a gross misdemeanor of “false swearing” to knowingly provide false information as part of a challenge and makes it a misdemeanor to knowingly bring a challenge without reasonable cause.
  • Court Awareness – The JIS and Enterprise Justice law tables will be updated for the changes in this bill.
  • The list of law table updates can be found at the bottom of this answer.
  • Effective – June 11, 2026

 

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ESHB 2165 – False Identification as a Peace Officer 

  • Bill # 2165
  • Summary – Creates a new gross misdemeanor of False Identification as a Peace Officer. A person commits the offense by falsely representing themselves as a peace officer with the use of uniforms, badges, vehicles, or other items that would lead a reasonable person to believe they are acting in an official law enforcement capacity. Removes impersonation of a law enforcement officer from the list of actions that qualify as Criminal Impersonation in the second degree.
  • Court Awareness –The JIS and Enterprise Justice law tables will be updated for the changes in this bill. 
  • The list of law table updates can be found at the bottom of this answer. 
  • Effective – June 11, 2026

 

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SHB 2178 - Court Rules and Procedures 

  • Bill # 2178

  • Summary –Makes various technical adjustments to align civil infraction statutes with court rules and procedures. Updates the damage limit for malicious mischief in the second degree to $750 for aggregated damages. Repeals an outdated statute directing AOC to administer the Legal Financial Obligation Grant Program and instead directs the State Treasurer to distribute the funds.
  • Court Awareness – Updates multiple statutes to match court rules.   
  • Effective – June 11, 2026 

 

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SHB 2239 - Family Burial Grounds 

  • Bill # 2239 
  • Summary - Permits individuals in Washington to create and use “family burial grounds” on privately owned land that may not exceed 10 percent of the parcel. A natural person may designate a portion of land they own as a family burial ground but are prohibited from selling burial plots or charging fees. Setback requirements apply to protect neighboring properties, rights-of-way, and environmental features. Each internment must be recorded with the county auditor within 30 days and reported to the Washington Department of Archaeology and Historic Preservation. All reports must include the identity of the decedent and burial location. Violations are civil infractions subject to a penalty of $500. Cities and counties are permitted to regulate or prohibit family burial grounds through ordinance, and they must establish procedures to address violations.
  • Court Awareness – The new civil infraction will not be added to the JIS and Enterprise Justice law tables unless requested. 
  • If a court receives a request to add this subsection, please submit a Law Table Request Form.
  • Effective – Most provisions effective June 11, 2026

 

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ESHB 2225 – Regulating Artificial Intelligence Companion Chatbots 

  • Bill # 2225
  • Summary – Adds a chapter to Title 19 RCW (Business Regulations) requiring operators of AI companion chatbots to conspicuously disclose with specified frequency that the chatbot is artificially generated and not human and to implement reasonable measures to prohibit and prevent the chatbot from claiming to be human and from generating output refuting or conflicting with required disclosures. If the operator knows that the user is a minor, or if the chatbot is directed to minors, the operator is required to make the disclosure with increased frequency and implement reasonable measures to prevent the chatbot from generating or producing sexually explicit content or suggestive dialogue, using manipulative engagement techniques causing the chatbot to engage in or prolong an emotional relationship with the user, claiming to be human, or generating output conflicting with required disclosures. Exempts specified features, applications, and educational tools from the definition of chatbot. Bars the deployment of a chatbot unless the operator implements and maintains a protocol for detecting and addressing suicidal ideation or expressions of self-harm by users; mandates prescribed information be disclosed on operator websites and mobile applications including, without limitation, the number of crisis referral notices issued to users in prior year; and deems noncompliance a Consumer Protection Act violation.
  • Court Awareness – This bill creates a new civil action.
  • Use existing Civil Cause of Action Code:  CPA – Consumer Protection Act.   
  • Effective – January 1, 2027

 

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ESHB 2274 Commercial Electronic Mail 

  • Bill # 2274
  • Summary – Amends Chapter 19.190 RCW (Commercial Electronic Mail) to specify that the existing ban on sending commercial email with a false or misleading subject line applies only when the subject line contains false or misleading information based on the sender’s actual knowledge or knowledge fairly implied from objective circumstances. Reduces non-actual damages recoverable by the recipient and deems the bill applicable to all causes of action commenced on or after the bill’s effective date regardless of when the conduct occurred.
  • Court Awareness – This bill creates a new civil action.
  • Use existing Civil Cause of Action Code:  OTH - Other.
  • Effective – June 11, 2026


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EHB 2294 Prohibiting Negative Use Restrictions on Real Property That Have the Effect of Limiting Consumer Access to Food and Medicine

  • Bill # 2294
  • Summary – Adds a chapter to Title 19 RCW (Business Regulations) which, with specified exceptions, bars private agreement provisions prohibiting or restricting the use of real property as grocery stores or pharmacies where such use is otherwise permitted by law; requires those entering agreements containing such provisions to timely notify the Attorney General and local jurisdiction; and permits enforcement actions by such authorities in the court of competent jurisdiction.
  • Court Awareness – This bill creates a new civil cause of action that may be filed by a city, town, or county filed in a court of competent jurisdiction.
  • Use existing Civil Cause of Action Code:  OTH - Other.  
  • Effective – June 11, 2026 

 

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ESHB 2303 Prohibiting Employers from Microchipping Employees 

  • Bill # 2303
  • Summary - Adds a section to Chapter 49.44 RCW (Labor Violations – Prohibited Practices) prohibiting employers from requesting, requiring, or coercing employees to be implanted with microchips and permitting employees aggrieved by violations to sue in a court of competent jurisdiction.
  • Court Awareness – This bill creates a new civil action for violations of employers requiring an employee to be microchipped.  
  • Use existing Civil Cause of Action Codes:  OTH - Other or PIN - Personal Injury
  • Effective – June 11, 2026

 

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ESHB 2320 Regulations of Firearm Manufacturing

  • Bill # 2320
  • Summary – Amends Chapter 9.41 RCW (Firearms and Dangerous Weapons) to, among other things and with limited exceptions: ban the manufacture or assembly of specified firearms and components by use of a 3D printer or computer numeric control milling machine, or by providing digital firearm manufacturing codes; prohibit knowing/reckless aiding or abetting in the production of firearms by unauthorized individuals by distribution of codes; limit who may possess, transfer, and use codes and the purposes for which they may be used; and provide criminal and civil penalties for specified violations.
  • Court Awareness –This adds new civil infractions, misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors. 
  • The JIS and Enterprise Justice law tables will be updated for the changes in this bill.
  • The list of law table changes can be found at the bottom of this answer.  
  • Effective – Pertinent Provisions Effective Immediately Upon Adoption

  

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E2SHB 2325 Establishing a Tourism Self-Supported Assessment Program to Fund Statewide Tourism 

  • Bill # 2325
  • Summary – Adds a chapter to Title 43 RCW (State Government – Executive) conditionally allowing the state tourism marketing authority (the Authority) to establish and administer a program imposing an annual assessment on covered tourism-related businesses to be used to promote tourism; requires a ratification vote and appointment of a ratepayer oversight board; mandates a portion of collected funds be used to reimburse the state; immunizes the state from liability for Authority and board obligations; addresses powers and duties of the Authority and the board, accountings, audits, record keeping, confidentiality, and reports to the legislature; exempts Tribes and tribal-owned businesses unless they officially opt into the program; and permits the Authority to impose penalties and pursue collection actions in courts of competent jurisdiction.
  • Court Awareness – Creates a new civil cause of action.
  • Use existing Civil Cause of Action Code OTH – Other 
  • Effective – June 11, 2026

 

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SHB 2355 Domestic Worker Labor Protections

  • Bill # 2355
  • Summary – Adds a chapter to Title 49 RCW (Labor Violations – Prohibited Practices) extending certain labor protections to domestic services providers; addresses wages, working conditions, required notices and disclosures, record keeping, confidentiality, and prohibited acts; bars retaliation for exercising rights under this chapter; provides for administrative investigations, penalties, and appeals; and authorizes judicial review of agency decisions, collection and aggrieved worker actions, and discrimination suits by workers not covered by RCW 49.60.180.
  • Court Awareness – Creates a new civil cause of action.
  • Use existing Civil Cause of Action Code OTH – Other
  • Effective – July 1, 2027

 

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ESHB 2532 Concerning the Sale and Distribution of Nitrous Oxide  

  • Bill # 2532
  • Summary – Makes the sale, furnishment, distribution, or administration of nitrous oxide a gross misdemeanor with exceptions for medical, veterinary, and dental care purposes administered by a licensed practitioner, for use as a propellant in food products, for a manufacturing process or industrial operation, or for automotive purposes.
  • Court Awareness – Creates a new gross misdemeanor. 
  • The JIS and Enterprise Justice law tables will be updated for the changes in this bill.
  • The list of law table updates can be found at the bottom of this answer. 
  • Effective – June 11, 2026

 

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HB 2664 – Modifying Requirements for Service of Unlawful Detainer Notices and Other Notices Served in the Same Manner

  • Bill # 2664
  • Summary – Amends RCW 59.12.040 (Service of Notice – Proof of Service) removing the certified mail delivery requirement for unlawful detainer notices when sent by mail and instead requiring that a copy be mailed to the person entitled to the notice at their place of residence.  Deems service complete when the copy is deposited in the mail from within Washington, properly addressed, and with prepaid postage.
  • Court Awareness – Modifies the requirements of service for unlawful detainers notices and other notices served in the same manner.
  • Effective – June 11, 2026

 

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ESB 5272 School Safety Penalties 

  • Bill #  5272
  • Summary – Expands the school-related crimes of Interference by Force or Violence (RCW 28A.635.090) and Intimidation by Threat of Force or Violence (RCW 28A.635.100) to include interference with officials or volunteer officials for extracurricular activities. Interference by public school students is grounds for the student’s emergency removal from school or exclusion from extracurricular athletic activities. Non-student offenders, upon conviction, must be excluded from entering the school or attending the extracurricular activities for a period of 12 to 18 months.
  • Court Awareness –  Updates language for gross misdemeanor intimidating an employee, contractor, student, or official (or volunteer official) for extracurricular athletic activities.
  • Effective – June 11, 2026

 

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SSB 5855 Use of Face Coverings by Law Enforcement Officers

  • Bill # 5855 
  • Summary – Adds a section to Chapter 10.116 RCW (Peace Officers – Tactics and Equipment) which, with specified exceptions, prohibits law enforcement officers from wearing facial coverings while interacting with the public in performing their official duties; and allows those detained by an unlawfully masked officer to bring a civil cause of action against that officer in their official capacity, but the officer is not liable if they were in compliance with the “reasonably identifiable” standard in RCW 10.116.050.
  • Court Impact – A new Civil Cause of Action Code of LFC – Law Enforcement Face Covering was created for this type of filing.  The code is available for use now in eFile & Serve and Enterprise Justice.  The code will be added to JIS soon.  
  • Effective - Immediately upon Adoption.

 

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ESSB 5925 General Powers & Duties of the Attorney General’s Office

  • Bill # 5925
  • Summary – Adds a section to Chapter 43.10 RCW (Attorney General) expanding the Attorney General’s (AG) authority to issue civil investigative demands (CID) in non-criminal matters; with limited exceptions, permits issuance when facts and circumstances would reasonably lead to possible violations of the state or federal constitution or specified state statutes (e.g., wage and hour, discrimination, use of force) as reviewed and approved by an Assistant AG; allows issuance to anyone believed to have possession, custody, or control of information or documentation relevant to an investigation of a possible violation; establishes issuance criteria, mandated and prohibited content and uses, and response requirements; limits access to, disclosure of, and use of responses; deems certain disclosures misdemeanors if in violation of a gag order; requires AG CID usage reports; and provides for a variety of superior court civil proceedings in Thurston County or in the County where the subject party resides.
  • Court Awareness – This bill adds a new gross misdemeanor.
  • The JIS and Enterprise Justice law tables will be updated for the changes in this bill.
  • The list of table changes can be found at the bottom of this answer. 
  • Effective – June 11, 2026

 

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E2SSB 5981 Protecting Integrity of 340B Drug Pricing Program

  • Bill # 5981
  • Summary – Adds a chapter to Title 69 RCW (Food, Drugs, Cosmetics, and Poisons) barring drug manufacturers and third parties acting on their behalf from denying, restricting, or prohibiting covered entities and pharmacies under contract with them from acquiring and dispensing medications through the federal 340B drug pricing program (which permits eligible entities to acquire medications at reduced prices to aid them in serving low-income and uninsured patients); establishes related requirements; permits civil suits by covered entities and enforcement actions by the Attorney General under the Consumer Protection Act; requires reporting to the Health Care Authority; and provides for fines and penalties for noncompliance and for sanction reviews in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act.
  • Court Awareness – Creates a new civil cause of action.
  • Use existing Civil Cause of Action Code OTH – Other 
  • Effective – June 11, 2026

 

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ESSB 6002 Driver Privacy Protections 

  • Bill # 6002
  • Summary – Establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework governing the use of automated license plate reader (ALPR) systems by state and local government agencies in Washington. Makes it unlawful for state or local agencies to use or access ALPR systems except as expressly authorized. Prohibits the use of ALPR systems for general surveillance or tracking, to monitor constitutionally protected activities, for immigration enforcement purposes, and deployment in or targeting sensitive locations. Data collected by ALPR systems is limited to retention for 21 days. Agencies must register ALPR systems with the state; adopt policies governing use, access, and data retention; and have clear audit and compliance requirements. A person who unlawfully uses, accesses, or queries an ALPR system is guilty of a gross misdemeanor.  
  • Court Awareness – Any information obtained from a knowing violation of this act is inadmissible in any civil or criminal case in all courts of general or limited jurisdiction in this state, except with the permission of the person whose rights have been violated in an action brought for damages. Jurisdictions that utilize the ALPR systems for parking enforcement must delete data no later than 12 hours after final disposition of a parking enforcement case, including exhaustion of any applicable appeals process.
  • A new BIT report “VRV Tickets with Dispositions and Appeals” has been published that courts can use to provide updates to law enforcement agencies or parking vendors that use the ALPR systems, so they know when to purge the data.
  • The new report can be scheduled to automatically run and be sent to[SA1]  
  • Court Impact – This bill creates a new gross misdemeanor and a new civil action. 
  • The list of law table changes can be found at the bottom of this answer. 
  • Use existing Civil Cause of Action Code: CPA – Consumer Protection Act for civil filings.  
  • Effective – Immediately Upon Adoption

 

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E2SSB 6066 Crash Prevention Zones  

  • Bill # 6066
  • Summary – Authorizes the Washington State Department of Transportation and/or local jurisdictions to formally designate roadway segments with demonstrably high crash rates as “crash prevention zones” beginning January 1, 2029. The jurisdiction that established the zone is required to conduct an engineering and safety investigation to identify safety improvements. The Washington State Patrol and local law enforcement agencies must coordinate increased enforcement of traffic laws and may use speed reduction methods within the crash prevention zones. Adds crash prevention zones to the list of locations where automated traffic safety cameras may be used to detect speed violations. Doubles the base penalty for using a personal electronic device while driving in a crash prevention zone, and 50 percent of the moneys collected must be deposited into the highway safety fund. Those funds may only be used for engineering and traffic investigations, creation and installation of road signs, and safety improvements in the crash prevention zone.
  • Court Awareness – The base penalty amount for unlawfully using a personal electronic device while driving is doubled if the infraction occurs within a zone. The total penalty amount, including statutory assessments, may not be waived, reduced, or suspended. Fifty percent of the penalty amount collected must be deposited into the highway safety fund for such infractions committed in a zone established by WSDOT. 
  • Photo Enforced Speeding Violations may also be set up in cities or counties that have a Crash Prevention Zone.
  • Court Impact – 
  • A new Remit Group for the Highway Safety Fund for Infractions Committed in Crash Prevention Zones State Fund is being created along with a new BARS Code for use with the new law.
  • The new civil infraction will be added to the JIS and Enterprise Justice law tables.
  • The list of law table changes can be found at the bottom of this answer. 
  • Court Action – AOC has made the needed changes with the JIS/EJ courts.  If your court uses their own system and has photo enforcement for one of the following violations, the law number is changed due to this bill and may require changes to the law number in your Vendor’s system:
    • Hospital Speed Zone – Was RCW 46.63.210(2) becomes RCW 46.63.210(3)
    • Public Park Speed Zone – Was RCW 46.63.210(3), becomes RCW 46.63.210(4)
    • Public Transportation Vehicle – Was RCW 46.63.210(4), becomes RCW 46.63.210(5)
    • Roadway Work Zone – Was RCW 46.63.210(5), becomes RCW 46.63.210(6)
    • School Speed Zone – Was RCW 46.63.210(6), becomes RCW 46.63.210(7)
    • School Walk Zone – Was RCW 46.63.210(7), becomes RCW 46.63.210(8) 
  • Effective – June 11, 2026

 

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2SSB 6182 Establishing an Abortion Savings Program 

  • Bill # 6182
  • Summary – Imposes an assessment on covered health insurers to fund grants to eligible health care providers and entities to maintain equitable access to abortion services; requires insurers to submit specified statements for use in calculating the assessment amount and to timely pay; provides for penalties and other consequences for noncompliance; authorizes assessment collection by distraint and penalty recovery actions by the Department of Health in a court of competent jurisdiction; and prohibits carriers from passing the assessment cost onto plan participants unless the Insurance Commissioner makes specified determination.
  • Court Impact – Use Existing Civil Cause of Action Codes OTH – Other or COL – Collection Cause of Action Code. 
  • Effective – Various

 

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ESSB 6200 Renters' and Mobile Home Occupants' Ability to Install Portable Cooling Devices

  • Bill # 6200 
  • Summary – Amends Chapters 59.18 RCW (Residential Landlord – Tenant Act) and 59.20 RCW (Manufactured/Mobile Home Landlord – Tenant Act) to prohibit, with specified exceptions, landlords from banning or unduly restricting installation of portable cooling devices by residential tenants and mobile home park occupants; clarifies rights and duties of those involved and prohibited acts.
  • Court Awareness – Possible additional filings in District Court.  
  • Effective – June 11, 2026 

 

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 ESSB 6346 Establishing a Tax on Millionaires

  • Bill # 6346
  • Summary - Establishes a new title (Title 82A RCW) and a new chapter within it which, beginning 1/1/2028, imposes a 9.9% state income tax on taxable income over $1 million per year; addresses tax calculation, included and exempt income, credits, carryovers, deductions, allocation and apportionment, required returns, accountings, reporting, audits, and revenue distribution; mandates 5% of collected revenues go annually to the Fair Start for Kids account with the remainder going to the state general fund to support tax relief (e.g., Working Families’ Tax Credit); creates a Class C felony for knowingly attempting to evade the tax and creates a gross misdemeanor for knowingly failing to pay tax, make returns, or supply required information; establishes an advisory group to aid in implementation; exempts grooming and hygiene products, diapers, over-the-counter medications, and certain educational services from specified taxes; deems state statutory prohibition on personal income taxes inapplicable; includes a necessity clause; and includes a null and void clause if a court “of final jurisdiction” invalidates the imposed tax.
  • Court Awareness – This bill creates a new gross misdemeanor. 
  • The JIS and Enterprise Justice law tables will be updated for the changes in this bill. 
  • The list of law table updates can be found at the bottom of this answer. 
  • Effective – June 11, 2026—Except for sections 901, 909 through 911, 1001, and 1002, which take effect January 1, 2029; and sections 1101 through 1104, which take effect July 1, 2026.

 

 

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 [SA1]Sent to whom?