WA People
BILL · 2025–26 SESSION · LATEST VERSION E2SSB 6239

SB 6239: State tort claims

Requiring arbitration for tort claims against the state of Washington and its subdivisions. (REVISED FOR ENGROSSED: Establishing a process for adjudicating tort claims against the state of Washington and its political subdivisions.)

Summary

  • Makes certain tort claims against the state or any of its subdivisions subject to administrative adjudication for any dollar amount prior to being scheduled for trial based on the age of the claim.
  • Requires legislative hearings after judgment or settlement of claims against the state for over $5 million.
  • Requires a Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee report by December 31, 2032 on the arbitration process.

From the Engrossed Second Substitute Senate Bill Report (E2SSB 6239), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗

Did not pass Did not pass · passed Senate, stalled in House
  1. IntroducedJan 20, 2026
  2. Out of committeeFeb 9, 2026
  3. Passed SenateFeb 17, 2026
  4. Passed Housestopped here
  5. Governor
  6. Law
Prime sponsor
Manka Dhingra (D-45)
Introduced
January 20, 2026 in the Senate
Last action
March 12, 2026
Companion bill
HB 2700
Budget
Has a fiscal note
Versions
SB 6239, SSB 6239, 2SSB 6239, E2SSB 6239

AN ACT Relating to establishing a process for adjudicating tort claims against the state of Washington and its political subdivisions;

Sponsors

Prime sponsor: Manka Dhingra (D-45)

5 co-sponsors (5 Democrats, 0 Republicans)

Jamie Pedersen D-43Steve Conway D-29Marko Liias D-21June Robinson D-38Claire Wilson D-30

Votes

Senate · 3rd Reading & Final Passage

Passed February 17, 2026
Version voted on: E2SSB 6239
33 Yea 16 Nay 0 Absent 0 Excused
PartyYeaNayAbsentExcused
Democrat171300
Republican16300
How each member voted
Permalink to this vote

History

  1. By resolution, returned to Senate Rules Committee for third reading. (E2SSB 6239)
  2. First reading, referred to Civil Rights & Judiciary. (E2SSB 6239)
  3. Third reading, passed; yeas, 33; nays, 16; absent, 0; excused, 0. (E2SSB 6239)
  4. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading. (E2SSB 6239)
  5. Floor amendment(s) adopted. (E2SSB 6239)
  6. 2nd substitute bill substituted. (E2SSB 6239)
  7. 2nd substitute bill substituted. (SSB 6239)
  8. 2nd substitute bill substituted.
  9. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee. (E2SSB 6239)
  10. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee. (SSB 6239)
  11. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
  12. Minority; without recommendation. (E2SSB 6239)
  13. Minority; do not pass. (E2SSB 6239)
  14. WM - Majority; 2nd substitute bill be substituted, do pass. (E2SSB 6239)
  15. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. (E2SSB 6239)
  16. WM - Majority; 2nd substitute bill be substituted, do pass. (SSB 6239)
  17. Minority; do not pass. (SSB 6239)
  18. Minority; without recommendation. (SSB 6239)
  19. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. (SSB 6239)
  20. Minority; without recommendation.
  21. Minority; do not pass.
  22. WM - Majority; 2nd substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
  23. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
  24. On motion, referred to Ways & Means. (SSB 6239)
  25. On motion, referred to Ways & Means.
  26. LAW - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. (SSB 6239)
  27. Minority; do not pass. (SSB 6239)
  28. Minority; without recommendation. (SSB 6239)
  29. Minority; without recommendation.
  30. Minority; do not pass.
  31. LAW - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
  32. First reading, referred to Law & Justice.

SB 6239 in other sessions

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

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