S-1377.1
SENATE BILL 5741
State of Washington
69th Legislature
2025 Regular Session
By Senators Alvarado, Bateman, Nobles, and Pedersen
Read first time 02/13/25. Referred to Committee on Housing.
AN ACT Relating to addressing court capacity for unlawful detainer actions by authorizing superior courts to appoint housing court commissioners; adding new sections to chapter 59.18 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 59.20 RCW; creating a new section; and declaring an emergency.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:
NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that nearly 40 percent of Washington households are renter households. Washington is one of the most expensive rental markets in the country. Rent increases are outpacing incomes, disproportionately impacting: Seniors; Black, indigenous, and people of color households; and families with children, and are a significant cause of homelessness. As of November 2024, Washington was experiencing the highest eviction filing count on record, with 23,000 filings and with nine counties already breaking records, including Clark, Grant, Jefferson, King, Klickitat, Okanogan, Spokane, Thurston, and Whitman. Seven additional counties were also on track to break records in 2024, including Asotin, Columbia, Douglas, Kittitas, Pend Oreille, Skagit and Walla Walla.
A significant surge in unlawful detainer filings has contributed to delays in court proceedings and case resolutions, creating additional burdens for both landlords and tenants.