Requiring arbitration for tort claims against the state of Washington and its subdivisions.

HB 2700 requires all tort claims (injuries caused by government negligence, such as accidents on public property or by public employees) against Washington State or its local government subdivisions to go through mandatory arbitration before trial, for any amount of money sought. This applies directly to individuals seeking compensation for injuries caused by state or local government actions, and to the state and its agencies as defendants. The bill amends existing law to make arbitration mandatory for these claims, removing the previous $15,000 or $100,000 monetary thresholds that applied to private cases. The law takes immediate effect as an emergency measure to protect public finances while establishing a structured process for resolving such claims.