BILL · 2025–26 SESSION · LATEST VERSION SHB 2161

HB 2161: AGO investigation powers

Concerning the general powers and duties of the attorney general’s office.

Summary

Authorizes the Attorney General to issue civil investigative demands for documents, oral testimony, and answers to interrogatories when investigating possible violations of the United States Constitution, the Washington Constitution, and other specified laws.
Provides standards for required contents of a demand and how it must be served; the process for production of documents and information; the confidentiality of disclosed documents, testimony, and information; and court action for contesting, modifying, or enforcing a demand.

From the House Bill Report (HB 2161), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗

Did not pass Did not pass · stalled on the House floor

AN ACT Relating to the general powers and duties of the attorney general's office;

No recorded floor votes.

Feb 3, 2026Referred to Rules 2 Review. (SHB 2161)
Feb 3, 2026Referred to Rules 2 Review.
Jan 30, 2026CRJ - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. (SHB 2161)
Jan 30, 2026Minority; do not pass. (SHB 2161)
Jan 30, 2026CRJ - Executive action taken by committee.
Jan 30, 2026Minority; do not pass.
Jan 30, 2026CRJ - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Jan 12, 2026First reading, referred to Civil Rights & Judiciary.
Dec 17, 2025Prefiled for introduction.

Bill numbers restart every two years, so the same number is a different bill in each session.

HB 2161 (2023–24) Landlord-tenant enforcement · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 2161 (2019–20) Ferry vessel procurement · Enacted · Chapter 431, Laws of 2019
HB 2161 (2017–18) Education T.O. · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 2161 (2015–16) School construction · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 2161 (2013–14) Mitigation fees/traffic/SEPA · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 2161 (2011–12) Disabled veterans/rec. lands · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 2161 (2009–10) Maternity care access prog · Did not pass · died in committee
HB 2161 (2007–08) Code cities & noncode cities · Enacted · Chapter 64, Laws of 2007