SENATE BILL REPORT

ESB 5531

BYSenators Rasmussen, Talmadge, Hansen, Halsan, Garrett, Tanner, Bauer, Williams, Bender, Fleming, Vognild, McDermott, Patterson, Smitherman, Warnke, Owen, Newhouse, Nelson, McCaslin, Benitz, Lee, Pullen, West and Barr

Increasing the homestead exemption and the award in lieu thereof.

Senate Committee on Judiciary

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 17, 1987; February 19, 1987

Majority Report:  Do pass as amended.

      Signed by Senators Talmadge, Chairman; Halsan, Vice Chairman; McCaslin, Moore, Nelson, Newhouse.

Senate Staff:Jon Carlson (786-7459)

                  March 5, 1987

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 4, 1987

BACKGROUND:

Under current law, the homestead of a judgment debtor is generally exempt from attachment and from execution or forced sale.  The homestead consists of the dwelling house or the mobile home in which the owner resides or, in certain circumstances, unimproved land.  The present exemption level for the homestead is $25,000, and it is suggested that it would be appropriate to raise this amount.

SUMMARY:

The homestead exemption and the award in lieu of homestead is increased to $30,000.

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: No one