Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Judiciary Committee

HB 1426

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.

Brief Summary of Bill

Permits the use of an electronic return receipt delivery confirmation whenever a statute allows or requires the use of "certified mail with a return receipt requested."

Background:

Certified mail with return receipt requested is often used as a way to provide notice. For example, before the sale of real property under execution, order of sale, or decree, the notice of the sale must be transmitted to the judgment debtor using certified mail with return receipt requested. Many court documents may be served on interested parties using certified mail with return receipt requested.

The United States Postal Service allows a mailer purchasing return receipt service to choose to receive the return receipt by mail or e-mail. Mailers that receive the return receipt in the mail receive a green postcard with the recipient's actual signature or approved hand-stamp. Mailers that receive the return receipt via e-mail receive a proof of delivery letter arriving as a PDF attachment that includes an image of the recipient's signature or an approved hand-stamp. The charge for receiving a return receipt by mail is $2.20. The charge of receiving a return receipt by e-mail is $1.

Summary of Bill:

Whenever a statute allows or requires the use of "certified mail with a return receipt requested," electronic return receipt delivery confirmation provided by the United States Postal Service may be used.