1824‑S.E NotAdopt 4/10/91.2666

ESHB 1824 - S AMD

    By Talmadge

                                  Not Adopted 4/10/91 - Voice Vote

    On page 3, after line 8, insert a new section to read as follows:

   "

NEW SECTION. Sec. 2.  A new section is added to chapter 3.66 RCW to read as follows:

    (1) The district courts of each county may, by a majority vote of the judges thereof, authorize mandatory arbitration of civil actions under this chapter.

    (2) In no event may an award in single arbitration under this chapter exceed the amount of the monetary jurisdiction level of the district courts.

    (3) The subject matter jurisdiction of mandatory arbitration shall be the same as the subject matter jurisdiction of the district courts.

    (4)  Any arbitrator appointed under this chapter is immune from suit in any civil action based on any proceedings or other official acts performed in their capacity as arbitrators, except for acts of willful or wanton misconduct.

    (5) All memoranda, work notes or products, or case files of an arbitrator are confidential and privileged and are not subject  to disclosure in any civil judicial or administrative proceeding, except when the willful or wanton misconduct of the arbitrator is at issue.

    (6) The Washington state magistrates association shall adopt standards for a person to become an arbitrator under this chapter.  Such standards shall include admission to the practice of law in this state for a minimum of seven years and reasonable experience at litigation of civil matters of law.

    (7) The Washington state magistrates association shall recommend to the supreme court rules of procedure for mandatory arbitration in the district courts.  In the adoption of such rules, the court shall be guided by the statutory requirements of mandatory arbitration set forth in chapter 7.06 RCW."

    Renumber the remaining sections consecutively and correct internal cross-references accordingly.