Bill > SB5993

This bill amends existing law to significantly lower the interest rate on medical debt, defining "medical debt" as outlined in RCW 19.16.100. Specifically, for any medical debt incurred after December 31, 2026, the bill mandates that interest charged or collected cannot exceed a simple interest rate of one percent per year, regardless of whether it's before or after a judgment is entered. Furthermore, the bill prohibits charging or collecting interest on medical debt during periods when a hospital has not completed required charity care screenings, when the debt is later found to be invalid or not lawfully owed, or when a court determines the debt is not legally enforceable. If a medical debt is reduced or eliminated under chapter 70.170 RCW, or is otherwise found to be invalid or unenforceable, any interest charged or collected on that portion of the debt after the bill's effective date must be refunded.

Justice

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5993&Year=2025&Initiative=false