Bill > HB2178

This bill makes several changes to court rules and procedures in Washington State, aiming to align statutes with existing court rules and correct technical issues. It increases the monetary threshold for charging someone with malicious mischief in the second degree from $250 to $750 in damages, meaning more property damage will be required to reach this higher charge. The bill also extends the time a person has to respond to a civil infraction notice from 15 days to 30 days if served in person, or 33 days if served by mail, and clarifies that a civil infraction is a non-criminal offense. Additionally, it changes the filing deadline for a notice of infraction from 48 hours to five days and allows for the dismissal of notices not filed within this timeframe unless good cause is shown. The bill also introduces a new provision allowing individuals to request a payment plan for any monetary penalties, fees, or costs associated with an infraction, making it mandatory for courts to offer a payment plan if the person cannot pay in full and hasn't had a plan for that obligation before. Finally, it repeals an existing law regarding the collection and distribution of legal financial obligations and adds a new section requiring the state treasurer to distribute appropriated funds to counties for county clerk collection budgets based on a formula recommended by the Washington Association of County Officials.

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https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2178&Year=2025&Initiative=false