Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research	BILL ANALYSIS
Judiciary Committee

HB 1530

Title:  An act relating to serving claims against local governmental entities for tortious conduct.

Brief Description:  Providing for the appointment of individuals to receive claims against local governmental entities.

Sponsors:  Representatives Lantz (co‑prime sponsor) and Carrell (co‑prime sponsor).

Brief Summary of Bill

$Requires that each local government entity appoint at least two persons to accept notice of any tort claim filed against the entity.

Hearing Date:  2/8/01

Staff:  Bill Perry (786‑7123).

Background: 

The state has waived sovereign immunity for government and allowed itself and local governments to be sued for the torts of government officials, employees, or volunteers. 

Before an injured party may bring a suit against a local government entity, the injured party must make a claim against the entity for the damages sought.  A lawsuit for the recovery of those damages may not be commenced until at least 60 days after the claim has been filed with the local government.  (Any applicable statute of limitations is tolled during the 60-day wait to start the lawsuit.)

The law requires that a claim for damages must be "presented to and filed with the governing body" of the local government entity.

Summary of Bill: 

Each local government entity is required to appoint at least two persons to receive claims for damages.  The identities, and locations during business hours, of the designated persons must be recorded with the county auditor.

Appropriation:  None.

Fiscal Note:  Not Requested.

Effective Date:  Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.