SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5213

This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent.

As of February 5, 2017

Title: An act relating to the award of fees for limited license legal technicians in certain domestic violence cases.

Brief Description: Concerning the award of fees for limited license legal technicians in certain domestic violence cases.

Sponsors: Senators Wilson and Zeiger.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Law & Justice: 1/26/17.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Applies to court proceedings for domestic violence protection orders.

  • Permits the court to award fees incurred by a limited license legal technician.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Staff: Aldo Melchiori (786-7439)

Background: The legal technician program was created and based on the Civil Legal Needs Study of 2003. The Washington Supreme Court licenses legal technicians to practice and advise clients in family law cases. Washington is the first state to license legal technicians. Legal technicians can only prepare legal documents that have been approved by the Limited License Legal Technician Board. They cannot represent a client in court nor can they negotiate on behalf of a client.

Any person may petition the court for a protection order alleging that they have been the victim of domestic violence. After notice and hearing, a court may order relief to:

Summary of Bill: In addition to reasonable attorneys' fees, the court may order the respondent to pay limited license legal technician fees when such fees are incurred by a limited license legal technician.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Creates Committee/Commission/Task Force that includes Legislative members: No.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.

Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: Legal technicians just want to be fairly compensated for their work. The current statute allows costs and attorney fees, but does not mention legal technician fees.

Persons Testifying: PRO: Jeffery A. Kinstler, Legal Technician Services.

Persons Signed In To Testify But Not Testifying: No one.