SB 5707 Establishing a Housing Court Pilot Program

SB 5707

Establishing a housing court pilot program

Bill Summary

• Creates a new Housing Court Pilot Program inside District Court for counties in Western Washington with a population of 2 million or more (King County).
• Creates a new Housing Court Pilot Program inside District Court for counties in Eastern Washington with a population of 500,000 or more (Spokane County).
• Applies to tenancies under RCW 59.12 and 59.18.
• Includes case management that "should" result in efficient use and time.
• Court facilitator to assist both parties (housing provider and resident).
• Provide "non-adversarial" methods of dispute resolution such as a settlement conference and mediation by attorney mediators.
• Sealing of eviction records.
• Judicial officers are required to complete training program and subsequent training for a minimum of 8 hours annually.
• Report to the State December 24, 2024 and each year thereafter.
• Effective date January 1, 2024.
• Expires July 1, 2033.

• Feb 6 First reading, referred to Law & Justice. (View Original Bill)
• Feb 14 Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Law & Justice at 10:30 AM. (Committee Materials)