OLYMPIA – A bipartisan effort led by Rep. Natasha Hill (D-Spokane) to update Washington’s legal process service requirements was signed into law today by Governor Bob Ferguson. House Bill 1361 aligns service of process statues to clarify the process to serve legal documents on corporations and nonresident motorists.
“Service of process is fundamental to due process and necessary to start a lawsuit,” said Rep. Hill. “When we have inconsistent, confusing, and sometimes conflicting rules across different statutes, it costs parties time and money. This bill brings clarity, efficiency and align these laws.”
The bill, requested by the Office of the Secretary of State, received unanimous support in both chambers, passing the House 97-0 and the Senate 49-0. The bill eliminates archaic provisions that require notice to be published in newspapers when a business lacks an in-state officer and modernizes this process to allow for certified mail and service on registered agents.
“Updating these statutes means less confusion, less cost, and fewer barriers—especially for individuals navigating the legal system on their own,” said Hill. “This is a win for access to justice.”
It also improves procedures for serving out-of-state drivers involved in accidents in Washington and makes clear these laws apply whether represented by counsel or representing yourself.
“This was about making the law work better for everyone—from businesses to everyday people. I’m proud to have led this effort and grateful to the stakeholders and colleagues who supported it,” Hill added.
The law takes effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns.
