HB 1909, which creates a statewide court unification task force, passed the Legislature. The task force will analyze Washington’s multiple court systems and offer recommendations on whether, and how, to create more unified operations. The bill awaits Gov. Bob Ferguson’s signature.

The bill, sponsored by Rep. Jamila Taylor (D–Federal Way), creates a nearly 40-member task force to perform a comprehensive review of the costs and benefits of maintaining the state’s current system that includes separately managed superior, district, and municipal courts, and whether centralizing some or all administration would improve access and outcomes.

The task force will include four members of the Legislature; 14 judges and staff members from judicial offices; representatives of county councils, court clerks, public defenders, tribes, and legal system-related associations; and three representatives of cities appointed by AWC.

AWC’s representatives on the task force are:

• One person representing Seattle;
• One person representing a city with a population between 100,000 and 500,000; and
• One person representing a city with a population under 100,000.

If the Governor signs the bill into law, as is likely, AWC will send out a request for applicants for each of the seats to represent city interests.

The task force is to begin meeting by October 1 of this year, with a preliminary report due by June 30, 2027, and a final report due a year later.