Bill > HB2706

This bill establishes a new claims commission within the office of administrative hearings to handle tort claims, which are legal claims for damages caused by negligence, against the state, specifically those related to the department of children, youth, and families that occurred before 2020. This is in response to a significant increase in such claims, particularly historical childhood abuse claims, which have led to a substantial deficit in the state's liability account, a fund used to pay for these types of claims. The commission will be composed of an administrative law judge, a trauma-informed professional, a plaintiff's attorney, and representatives from relevant state agencies, and its decisions can be appealed to a superior court for a new trial. The bill also makes several amendments to existing laws to integrate this new claims process, including how judgments and awards are paid from the liability account and how claims are presented and settled. A specific section related to the risk management administration account will expire in 2033, with another section taking effect on the same date, indicating a transition period for certain administrative functions.

Justice

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2706&Year=2025&Initiative=false