Uniform default-judgment bill aims to add consumer protections and standardize court notices

The committee heard Feb. 18 on substitute SB 5720, which would adopt the Uniform Consumer Debt Default Judgment Act and add procedural protections before a court may enter a default judgment in consumer-debt cases.

Committee staff explained the bill requires complaints to set out specific information on the consumer, creditor and debt, mandates a consumer notice in substantially the bills form warning that default judgments may be entered, permits courts to deny default judgments for noncompliance, and ties violations by debt purchasers to the Consumer Protection Act.

Senator Jamie Peterson (43rd), the bills sponsor, said the measure integrates existing debt-buyer protections enacted in 2021 and noted extensive stakeholder work with consumer advocates, collection and debt-buying industry representatives to reach a broadly agreeable approach.

Kelsey Hamilton of the Northwest Collectors Association testified in support, saying after prior concerns were addressed the bill represents a balanced policy. The committee did not take further action; staff and sponsor indicated the bill reflects months of work sessions.