Bill would create court-unification task force to study fragmented system

The Law and Justice Committee heard a staff briefing and sponsor presentation on second substitute House Bill 1909, which would establish a court-unification task force to study whether and how a more centralized court administrative structure could improve efficiency and access.

Tim Ford summarized the concept: Washington's courts operate with differing jurisdictions, funding sources and local rules; roughly half of U.S. states have unified court systems, but definitions vary. The bill would create a task force with legislative, judicial and local-government representatives and report back to the legislature with findings by Dec. 31, 2029.

Representative Jamila Taylor (30th LD) said the bill addresses barriers forced on people without legal representation and the inconsistent experience of filing and obtaining records across counties. She said the Washington State Bar Association has committed to convene the effort and that the judiciary and other stakeholders had agreed to participate.

Sugam Soni, a legal-aid attorney, testified in support, saying a unified system in Colorado made court filings and record requests far more accessible and that a single filing and records platform would increase access to justice for unrepresented litigants.

The committee concluded public testimony and moved the bill to further consideration.