S-0288.1

SENATE BILL 5110

BySenators Keiser and Kuderer

AN ACT Relating to adding penalties for certain prohibited practices in chapter 49.44 RCW; adding a new section to chapter 49.44 RCW; and prescribing penalties.

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

NEW SECTION.  Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 49.44 RCW to read as follows:

Unless a criminal or civil penalty is otherwise specified for a violation in this chapter, a person aggrieved by a violation of a provision in this chapter may bring a civil action in a court of competent jurisdiction. The court may:

(1) Award any prevailing party bringing an action injunctive relief, actual damages, a penalty of no less than $500 and no more than $1,000, and reasonable attorneys' fees; and

(2) Pursuant to RCW 4.84.185, award any prevailing party against whom an action has been brought for a violation of this chapter reasonable expenses and attorneys' fees upon final judgment and written findings by the trial judge that the action was frivolous and advanced without reasonable cause.

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