HB 2178 Washington House · 2025-2026 Regular Session

Concerning court rules and procedures.

HB 2178 updates Washington state court rules and procedures for civil infractions (noncriminal violations like traffic tickets). It expands the definition of "physical damage" to include digital records and computer systems, and clarifies requirements for civil infraction notices, including mandatory content about penalties and response deadlines. The bill sets specific monetary penalties for different classes of infractions (e.g., up to $500 for certain littering or firearm violations) and details how courts must handle payment plans or collection. These changes directly affect courts, enforcement officers issuing notices, and individuals cited for civil infractions.
Bill status signed all 5 stages cleared
Introduction
Dec 2025
Committee Review
Feb 2026
House Passage
Mar 2026
Senate Passage
Mar 2026
Signed into Law
Mar 2026
Introduced Dec 19, 2025 Signed Mar 23, 2026
Maddy AI version diff · 2 comparisons

What changed between versions

Substitute Bill Substitute Passed Legislature · 3 edits
MINOR
The document was updated from a draft version to the final enrolled bill, adding official certification of passage by the House and Senate, the Chief Clerk's signature, and the Secretary of State's filing. This change confirms the bill has successfully completed the legislative process and is now ready for execution, rather than being under review.
ENFORCEMENT

Added official certification text confirming the bill passed both chambers with specific vote counts and dates.

TECHNICAL

Added signature lines for the Chief Clerk and Secretary of State to validate the bill's official status.

Removed the draft bill number (H-2959.1) and replaced it with the final enrolled title and session details.

Floor votes · Senate Mar 6, 2026 · House Jan 29, 2026

How they voted

419
Passed · 1 other
Total votes 51
Mar 6, 2026
D Democratic31
31 Yea
100% Yea
R Republican20
10 Yea 9 Nay 1
50% Yea
Vote distribution
All Yea All Nay Mixed No data
Full legislative history

Actions timeline

Total actions
28
Key actions
12
Committee
8
Mar 23, 2026
Signed into law
Governor signed.
executive
Mar 11, 2026
Upper · Passed
President signed.
upper
Mar 11, 2026
Lower · Passed
Speaker signed.
lower
Mar 6, 2026
Senate · Passed
Senate Vote: pass (41-9-1)
senate
Feb 23, 2026
Upper · Passed
Minority; without recommendation.
upper
Feb 23, 2026
Upper · Passed
LAW - Majority; do pass.
upper
Feb 23, 2026
Upper · Passed
Executive action taken in the Senate Committee on Law & Justice at 10:30 AM.
upper
Feb 19, 2026
Upper · Passed
Public hearing in the Senate Committee on Law & Justice at 10:30 AM.
upper
Jan 29, 2026
House · Passed
House Vote: pass (91-8-1)
house
Jan 20, 2026
Committee
Referred to Rules 2 Review.
lower
Jan 16, 2026
Lower · Passed
Minority; without recommendation.
lower
Jan 16, 2026
Lower · Passed
Executive action taken in the House Committee on Civil Rights & Judiciary at 10:30 AM.
lower
Jan 13, 2026
Lower · Passed
Public hearing in the House Committee on Civil Rights & Judiciary at 10:30 AM.
lower
1 primary · 7 co-sponsors

Sponsors