HB 2179 - DIGEST

     Provides that, in any action brought under the provisions of chapter 8.24 RCW for the condemnation of land for a private way of necessity, reasonable attorneys' fees and expert witness costs may be allowed by the court to reimburse the condemnee in the event of any of the following:  (1) If the condemnor fails to make any written offer in settlement to the condemnee at least thirty days prior to commencement of the action; or

     (2) if the judgment awarded as a result of the action exceeds by ten percent or more the highest written offer in settlement submitted to those condemnees appearing in the action by the condemnor in effect thirty days before the trial.