Which laws passed during the 2026 Washington State Legislative session impact the Superior Courts, County Clerks, and Juvenile Departments, and what are those impacts? 

 

A number of bills passed during the 2026 legislative session impacting the Superior Courts. 

 

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 brief 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

ESHB 1155 – Prohibiting Noncompetition Agreements and Clarifying Non-solicitation Agreements

  • 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 convenants, 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 Impact– Courts may experience an increase in filings due to the expansion of the definition of non-competition covenants and retention of the right to sue for violations. 
  • Effective – June 30, 2027

 

Return to Top

 

E2SHB 1170 – Informing Users When Content is Developed or Modified by Artificial Intelligence

  • Bill #1170
  • Summary – Adds a chapter to Title 19 RCW (Business Regulations) requiring covered providers include provenance data in video/audio/image content created or materially altered by generative AI to the extent commercially and technically reasonable to do so and employ reasonable measures to make such data difficult to remove or tamper with; mandating data be sufficient to allow users to assess whether content was created or altered; exempting video games, interactive experiences, and certain other systems; deeming the bill inapplicable to state, local, and Tribal governments, but adding a provision in Title 42 RCW (Public Officers and Agencies) requiring government agencies provide specified disclosures if they make AI systems available to the public for consumer interactions; voiding waivers of chapter protections; and authorizing enforcement actions by the Attorney General under the Consumer Protection Act.
  • Court Awareness– Use existing CPA Civil (Case Type 2) for case filings.
  • Effective – February 1, 2027

 

Return to Top

 

SHB 1390 – Repealing the Community Protection Program

  • Summary – Eliminates the Community Protection Program (CPP) and removes references to the CPP from statute. Removes CPP as an option for less restrictive alternatives in Sexually Violent Predator cases. Requires the Department of Social and Health Services to develop and implement a transition plan for all individuals who are currently in CPP into other services or programs by 12/31/2026.
  • Court Awareness – Removes the Less Restrictive Alternative for Community Protection Program (CPP).
  • Effective – June 11, 2026 – Except Sections 3-5 on January 1, 2027

 

Return to Top

 

E3SHB 1710 – Compliance with the Washington Voting Rights Act of 2018

  • Summary – Adds a chapter to Title 29A RCW (Elections) requiring political subdivisions with defined prior history of voting rights violations obtain preapproval by means of “certificate of no objection” from the Attorney General (AG) before adopting, altering, or administering covered voting-related policies to ensure they are lawful and do not diminish the ability of protected classes to participate in the political process; clarifies covered policies and approval criteria and process; authorizes AG enforcement actions, judicial review of AG decisions, and in limited instances aggrieved person/entity suits; mandates periodic designation of covered jurisdictions with notice of designation to them; and provides time-limited safe harbor for AG-approved policies.
  • Court Awareness – Use existing MSC Civil Miscellaneous (Case Type 2) for case filings.  Updates to the Election Law Bench Book are anticipated. 
  • Effective – June 11, 2026

Return to Top


E2SHB 1750 – Creating Guidelines for Voter Suppression and Vote Dilution Claims Under the Washington Voting Rights Act

  • Summary – Amends Chapter 29A.92 RCW (Voting Rights Act) barring political subdivisions from adopting or enforcing election policies or practices that materially and disparately burden, or are likely to so burden, protected class members’ ability to vote or otherwise participate in the political process; provides limited exception upon showing by clear and convincing evidence that the election policy or practice is narrowly tailored and necessary to advance a compelling particularized state interest and that no less burdensome alternative means are available; retains class members’ right to sue provided prescribed prerequisites are met, but dispenses with prerequisites in specified instances; exempts small communities and school districts; and provides time-limited safe-harbor for court-approved policies and practices.
  • Court Awareness – Updates to the Election Law Bench Book are anticipated.
  • Effective – June 11, 2026

 

Return to Top

 

ESHB 1916 – Amending Voter Registration Challenges and Managing Voter Registration Lists

  • 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 list of law table changes can be found at the bottom of this answer.
  • Effective – June 11, 2026

 

Return to Top

 

E2SHB 2034 – Termination and Restatement of Plan 1 of The Law Enforcement Officers' and Firefighters' Retirement System

  • Summary – Eliminates the existing Law Enforcement Officers’ and Firefighters’ Retirement System Plan (LEOFF 1) and creates a new Restated Law Enforcement Officers’ and Firefighters’ Retirement System Plan (Restated LEOFF). Specifies that benefits to members are unchanged by the transfer from LEOFF 1 to the Restated LEOFF. Provides for a transfer of assets from LEOFF 1 to the Restated LEOFF to 110 percent of fully funding the benefits of the new plan. Provides for immediate vesting of all remaining terminated, nonvested members of LEOFF 1 prior to the transfer. Creates a new Class B felony for any employer, member, or beneficiary who knowingly makes a false statement or falsifies, or permits to be falsified, any records of the retirement system in an attempt to defraud the retirement system.
  • Court Awareness – The list of law table changes can be found at the bottom of this answer.
  • Effective – June 30, 2029 - Except Sections 105, 108–112 on June 11, 2026; and Section 462 on July 1, 2030

 

Return to Top

 

2SHB 2105 – Immigrant Worker Protections

  • Summary – Adopts the “Immigrant Worker Protection Act” as a new chapter in Title 49 RCW (Labor Regulations) requiring that employers provide timely written notice to employees with prescribed content in specified languages when they receive notification from the federal government for inspection of I-9 forms and related employment eligibility verification records, timely apprise workers of inspection results, and afford them opportunity to cure deficiencies; mandating that the Attorney General (AG) develop, and employers display, a poster informing workers of the notice requirements and a model notice for employers; bars employer interference with or retaliation for the exercise of rights under this chapter; and authorizes enforcement actions by the AG and private civil actions in superior court by aggrieved workers.
  • Court Awareness – Use existing EMP Civil (Case Type 2) for case filings.
  • Effective – June 11, 2026 – Except Sections 4-10 on October 1, 2026

 

Return to Top

 

ESHB 2165 – False Identification as a Peace Officer

  • 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 list of law table changes can be found at the bottom of this answer.
  • Effective – June 11, 2026

 

Return to Top

 

ESHB 2225 – Regulation of 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 – Use existing CPA Civil (Case Type 2) for case filings.
  • Effective – January 1, 2027

 

Return to Top

 

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

  • 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 – Use existing CPA Civil (Case Type 2) for case filings.
  • Effective – June 11, 2026

 

Return to Top

 

ESHB 2303 – Prohibiting Employers from Microchipping Employees

  • 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 – Use existing EMP Civil (Case Type 2) for case filings. 
  • Effective – June 11, 2026

 

Return to Top

 

ESHB 2320 – Regulation of Firearm Manufacturing

  • 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 – Use existing CPA Civil (Case Type 2) for case filings. The list of law table changes can be found at the bottom of this answer.
  • Effective – March 24, 2026 – Except Section 3 on June 30, 2027

 

Return to Top

 

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

  • 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 ratification vote and appointment of 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.

 

Return to Top

 

SHB 2355 – Establishing Labor Protections for Domestic Workers

  • 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 – Use existing EMP Civil (Case Type 2) for case filings. 
  • Effective – July 1, 2027

 

Return to Top

 

EHB 2445 – Ending Probates for Profit

  • Summary – Amends Title 11 RCW (Probate and Trust Law) mandating applications for letters of administration be under oath and include specified content; clarifying, in priority order, those eligible to administer estates and time for seeking appointment; allowing appointment of any suitable person (ASP) if priority holders fail to timely apply, but limits such appointees’ compensation, rights to acquire estate assets, number of appointments, and in most instances requires they post bond and prohibits them from having nonintervention powers; requiring probate notice be served on all heirs reasonably known to the personal representative (PR) but permitting service by the PR’s attorney and proof of service by declaration; expanding the list of ineligible PRs and mandating letters be revoked for disqualifying acts; prescribing the procedure for ASP appointees to follow if seeking to acquire or receive estate assets for their own account, prohibiting them from doing so absent specified showing, and providing sanctions for violations; addressing appointee compensation; clarifying timing and required form and content for specified reports and declarations; authorizing the court or any interested person to request the filing of required reports and mandating a hearing within 14 days of the request if the PR still fails to file; permitting the court to presume that the estate is ready to be closed two years after the appointment of the PR and permitting the court to order the PR to submit their final report and petition for distribution if PR has failed to do so within said period; and adopting specified procedures and requirements for “heir finders” and those purchasing beneficial interests in estates.
  • Court Impact– Courts may experience an increase in hearings due to mandated hearing within 14 days of request if the PR fails to file a required report. 
  • Effective – June 11, 2026

 

 

Return to Top

 

ESHB 2471 – Collective Bargaining for Employees Not Covered by the National Labor Relations Act

  • Summary – Adds a chapter to Title 49 RCW (Labor Violations – Prohibited Practices) adopting collective bargaining policies, procedures, and requirements for private employers, employees, trades, and industries not covered by federal labor laws, or for whom federal law does not preempt state regulation, or for whom the National Labor Relations Board has lost or declined jurisdiction. Addresses worker organization, bargaining representative selection, bargaining, and dispute resolution; authorizes Public Employment Relations Commission (PERC) involvement in prescribed areas, specifies its powers and duties, and grants it concurrent jurisdiction with superior courts to prevent and remedy RCW 49.32.020 violations; permits the Commission to issue cease and desist orders and petition a court for enforcement; provides for mediation and interest arbitration; allows arbitrators to seek court orders compelling compliance with arbitration procedures, provides for limited judicial review of arbitration decisions, and authorizes court review of PERC decisions in accordance with the Administrative Procedures Act.

 

 

Return to Top

 

ESHB 2532 – Sale and Distribution of Nitrous Oxide

  • 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 – The list of law table changes can be found at the bottom of this answer.
  • Effective – June 11, 2026

 

 

Return to Top

 

HB 2543  - County Clerk Fees

  • Bill #2543
  • Summary – Amends Chapter 36.18 RCW (Fees of County Officers) to update and revise fees that superior court clerks charge for copies of certain documents and/or exhibits.
  • Court Awareness – 
  1. Section 1(4)(c) has been modified to remove the 25 cents per page for copies without authentication fee in electronic format.   
  2. Section 1(4)(d) has been added, which assesses a fee of $5 for providing a photograph of an exhibit. Fee code 1505 may be used for this fee.   
  3. Section 1(4)(e) has been added, which assesses a fee of $25 per exhibit for providing a copy of a digital or electronic exhibit. Fee code 1530 may be used for this fee. 
  4. Section 1(4)(f) has been modified to reduce the fee for copies delivered on an electronic storage medium from $20 to $5.
  5. Section 1(4)(g) has been added, which allows the clerk to charge for the cost of posting and mailing the copies, plus a $2 handling fee. Fee code 1592 may be used for this fee. 
  6. Section 1(13) has been modified, assessing a fee of $25 per court date for preparing a copy of the audio or video recording from a court proceeding. Fee code 1530 may be used for this fee.
  7. Section 1(14) regarding registration of land titles, Torrens Act, under RCW 65.12.780 has been eliminated and no fees may be assessed.  
  • Effective – June 11, 2026

 

 

Return to Top

 

SHB 2594 - Ensuring that unhoused children and youths in Washington have equal access to free, appropriate public education

  • Summary – Establishes a new chapter in Title 28A RCW (Common School Provisions) aligning state law with the federal McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act and requiring the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) and school districts to eliminate barriers to the identification, enrollment, attendance, and academic success of homeless children and youth. It defines key terms, requires OSPI to develop a statewide plan, authorizes competitive OSPI grants to districts for services, and requires school districts to keep students in their school of origin when in the student’s best interest, enroll them immediately without documentation, maintain and transfer records, and provide comparable services. Mandates each district to appoint a homeless student liaison and establishes a state coordinator within OSPI to collect data, ensure statewide compliance, provide technical assistance, coordinate with agencies and courts, and submit quadrennial reports beginning in 2030. Applies requirements to charter schools and state-tribal compact schools and prohibits segregation of homeless students except for short periods in emergencies.
  • Court Awareness –  The Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) is mandated to develop and submit a statewide plan addressing identification, enrollment, dispute resolution, preschool access, access to nutrition programs, secondary transition, and the removal of enrollment barriers. OSPI may award grants to districts.  Updates to the FYJP resources and training materials are anticipated.  There are no court impacts. 
  • Effective – June 11, 2026

 

 

Return to Top

 

HB 2664 – Modifying requirements for service of unlawful detainer notices and other notices served in the same manner

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 – Updates to Ex Parte Bench Book and Unlawful Detainer Benchcard are anticipated. 
  • Effective – June 11, 2026

 

 

Return to Top

 

2ESSB 5105 – Sexually Explicit Depictions of Minors

  • Summary – Expands the definition of “fabricated depiction” of minors in sexually explicit conduct to include any digitally created or altered image showing an identifiable minor or any obscene image of a minor. The standard for “obscenity” is revised to reflect community norms, requiring that material appeal to prurient interests, be patently offensive in its explicit sexual depiction, and lack serious value when taken as a whole. Eliminates the requirement for the state to prove the minor’s identity and limit defendants’ ability to claim lack of knowledge about the minor’s age unless they can show they had no reasonable basis to know the person was underage. Eliminates the defense that there is a lack of knowledge that the depicted minor actually exists. Increases the statute of limitations for various offenses involving depictions of minors from three to ten years, clarifies that state law does not shield providers from federal liability, and expands the definition of sexual exploitation of a minor to include situations in which a person knowingly causes an unconscious or unaware minor to be photographed or to participate in a live performance involving sexually explicit conduct.
  • Court Awareness – Updates to the Sexual Violence Bench Guide are anticipated. 
  • Effective – June 11, 2026

 

 

Return to Top

 

SSB 5720 [SJ1] – Uniform Consumer Debt Default Judgments Act

  • Summary – Adopts the Uniform Consumer Debt Default Judgments Act as a new chapter in Title 4 RCW (Civil Procedure); expands pleading, disclosure, and notice requirements for those seeking default judgments in consumer debt collection actions and precludes entry of default unless the requirements are satisfied; mandates that the complaint include specified facts concerning the debt and authority to collect, attachment of pertinent documentation, and redaction of sensitive information; requires the served copy of the complaint to include, or be accompanied by, a notice that must be substantially similar to the form specified, advising of the consequences of failure to answer and providing legal assistance information; authorizes courts to deny noncompliant default motions and, upon notice, dismiss the case without prejudice; prohibits waivers of chapter protections, deems noncompliance a Consumer Protection Act violation, and provides for the imposition of penalties.
  • Court Action – Updates to the Ex Parte Bench Book are anticipated. 
  • Effective – January 1, 2027

 

 

Return to Top

 

ESSB 5837 - Guardianship, Conservatorship, and Other Protective Arrangements for Adults

  • Summary – Amends Chapter RCW 11.130 (Uniform Guardianship, Conservatorship, and Other Protective Arrangements Act). Updates service and mailing requirements for the appointment of a court visitor; adds criteria the court must consider when appointing an attorney for the respondent in guardianships, conservatorships, and other protective arrangements; makes changes to the order appointing a guardian and the order appointing a conservator; includes proposed guardians, conservators, and their attorneys to the list of parties able to view sealed reports; updates the time frame for which a conservator must give a copy of the order of appointment and a statement of rights to the individual subject to a conservatorship; adds the requirement that if the respondent objects to the petition for protective arrangement or requests an attorney, the court visitor shall petition the court to have an attorney appointed within five days of meeting the respondent; allows an employer/employee to act as a supporter if they are an immediate family member or a certified professional guardian and conservator or certified guardian and conservator agency; adds criteria outlining a person’s limitations of liability.
  • Court Impact – A list of all updated pattern forms is available at the bottom of this answer.
  • Effective – June 11, 2026

 

 

Return to Top

 

SSB 5855 – Use of Face Coverings by Law Enforcement Officers

  • 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  LFC – Law Enforcement Face Covering will be created for this type of filing.  The LFC will have a $290 filing fee. Use fee schedule 1100 for receipting this filing fee.   
    1. The Superior Court Civil Cover Sheets will be updated to add the new cause of action code.
  • Effective – March 19, 2026

 

 

Return to Top

 

SB 5892 - Protection of the Voter Registration Database

  • Summary – Creates a new Class C felony for state or local election officers who knowingly disclose voter database information. Also makes identifying information contained in voter registration affidavits or files confidential, prohibits disclosure except to state or local election officers and election officials unless authorized by the Office of the Secretary of State, and makes it a Class C felony for state or local election officers who knowingly violate this prohibition.
  • Court Awareness – Updates to the Election Law and Eviction Law Bench Book are anticipated. The list of law table changes can be found at the bottom of this answer.
  • Effective – March 25, 2026

 

 

Return to Top

 

ESSB 5925 – General Powers and Duties of the Attorney General’s Office

  • 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 – Use existing MSC Civil Miscellaneous (Case Type 2) for case filings.   Section 1(7) creates a misdemeanor for non-compliance with court-ordered disclosures. The list of law table changes can be found at the bottom of this answer. 
  • Effective – June 11, 2026

 

 

Return to Top

 

E2SSB 5981 –340B Drug Pricing Program

  • 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– Use existing CPA Civil (Case Type 2) for case filings.
  • Effective – June 11, 2026

 

 

Return to Top

 

ESSB 6002 – Driver Privacy Protections

  • 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 for deployment in or targeting sensitive locations. Data collected by ALPR systems are 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 –  The list of law table changes can be found at the bottom of this answer.
  • Effective – March 30, 2026

 

 

Return to Top

 

2SSB 6182 – Establishing an Abortion Savings Program

  • 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.
  • Effective – June 11, 2026—Except Sections 6–7 on July 1, 2028; Sections 8–9 on January 1, 2029; and Section 5 is Contingent


 

 

Return to Top

 

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

  • 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– Use existing MSC Civil (Case Type 2) for case filings.  
  •  Effective – June 11, 2026

 

 

Return to Top

 

ESSB 6346 – Establishing a Tax on Millionaires

  • 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.
  • Effective  – June 11, 2026—Except Sections 901, 909–911, 1001, and 1002 on January 1, 2029; Sections 1101–1104 on July 1, 2026

 

 

Return to Top

 

 [SJ1]Final bill version is SSB