SENATE BILL REPORT

                   HB 2499

              As Reported By Senate Committee On:

               Law & Justice, February 25, 1998

Title:  An act relating to jurisdiction of district courts in civil cases.

Brief Description:  Extending the long arm statute to district court civil cases.

Sponsors:  Representatives Sheahan, Appelwick, McMorris, Radcliff, Alexander, Grant, O'Brien, Doumit, Ogden and Thompson.

Brief History:

Committee Activity:  Law & Justice:  2/24/98, 2/25/98 [DP].

SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE

Majority Report:  Do pass.

  Signed by Senators Roach, Chair; Johnson, Vice Chair; Fairley, Hargrove, Kline, Long, Stevens, Thibaudeau and Zarelli.

Staff:  Harry Steinmetz (786-7421)

Background:  Currently, district court judges do not have the authority to issue civil process, including writs of execution, attachment, garnishment and replevin, outside of Washington State.  The statutory jurisdiction for district courts was recently increased to $35,000 in civil cases.  Matters that involve out-of-state parties and fall within the jurisdiction of district courts cannot be adequately handled in the lower court.

Summary of Bill:  Washington's long-arm statute is extended to allow district court judges the same authority to deal with out-of-state parties as superior court judges.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not requested.

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

Testimony For:  None.

Testimony Against:  None.

Testified:  No one.