Washington Governor’s Legislation Introduced
- Bill Would End Nonjudicial Foreclosure in Washington –

Legislation has now been introduced in both the Washington State House and Senate – at the behest of Governor Christine Gregoire - that could end nonjudicial foreclosures in Washington. 

In addition to urging the legislature to adopt a version of California’s SB 1137, the bills would impose sweeping new duties on trustees, significantly increasing their exposure to potential liability and reducing the stability of land titles affected by a nonjudicial foreclosure.

The impact of the legislation, if passed into law, would be a disaster.  In addition to its questionable constitutionality, it would clog the courts with litigation, lengthen the process, and increase costs to both borrowers and lenders.

The legislation was officially introduced on Tuesday, February 3rd. 

Read the Senate Bill: (SB 5810)

The bill was referred to the Financial Institution Committee.

Read the House Bill (HB 1942)

The bill was referred to the Judiciary Committee, where a hearing was held February 11th.

Lance Olsen, Esq., of Routh Crabtree Olsen, P.S. testified at the Washington House Judiciary Committee hearing on Wednesday, February 11th on behalf of UTA.  The testimony was drafted by Mr. Olsen and David Fennell, Esq. of Routh Crabtree Olsen, P.S.  Read the testimony.

We are requesting that members contribute to our efforts to retain lobbying representation in Olympia, Washington for the entire legislative session.  We are seeking to raise $15,000 from members by the end of February, especially from members who conduct foreclosure sales in Washington.

Additionally a bill addressing reconveyances has been introduced.

Please make your checks payable to UTA and send your contributions to:

Washington State Fund
c/o United Trustees Association
2030 Main Street, Suite 1300
Irvine, CA  92614

Thank you for your support during these times of increasing legislative pressure on the default servicing industry.