BILL REQ. #:  S-1527.1 



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SENATE BILL 5970
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State of Washington61st Legislature2009 Regular Session

By Senator Carrell

Read first time 02/11/09.   Referred to Committee on Judiciary.



     AN ACT Relating to telephonic hearings in civil cases and traffic cases; and adding new sections to chapter 3.02 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1   The legislature intends to promote uniformity in the procedures and practices related to telephonic hearings in civil cases and traffic cases in the courts of limited jurisdiction. In order to improve access to the courts and reduce litigation costs, the courts of limited jurisdiction shall permit telephonic hearings at appropriate proceedings in civil cases and traffic cases.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 2   (1) Except as provided in subsection (2) of this section, in all civil cases and traffic cases, a party that has provided notice to the court may participate by telephone in lieu of personal appearance in the following proceedings: All motions except motions in limine; trial assignments; show cause proceedings; status conferences; compliance and review hearings; and any other proceeding, if the court determines that participation by telephone is appropriate.
     (2) The court may require a party to appear in person at a proceeding listed in subsection (1) of this section if the court finds that a personal appearance would materially assist in the determination of the proceeding or in the effective management or resolution of a case.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 3   The administrator for the courts shall develop rules to implement section 2 of this act by December 30, 2009. The rules shall include, but are not limited to, the notice to be given by a party requesting to participate in a proceeding by telephone; the manner in which a proceeding by telephone is to be conducted; the conditions required for a party to be permitted to participate in a proceeding by telephone; and the use by the courts of private vendors to provide telephone services.

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 4   Sections 1 through 3 of this act are each added to chapter 3.02 RCW.

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