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SB5144 • 2026
Providing oversight of state agency tortious conduct through legislative hearings.
This bill passed both chambers and reached final enrollment, even if later executive action is not shown here.
Using official source text because the generated explanation was unavailable or could not be confirmed against the official bill text.
St.
By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
St. agency tortious conduct
AN ACT Relating to providing oversight of state agency tortious 1 conduct through legislative hearings; adding a new section to chapter 2 4.92 RCW; and creating a new section. 3 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:4 NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The legislature finds that one of its most 5 important roles is oversight of state agencies, particularly when it 6 comes to tortious conduct of the agency that results in harm to 7 vulnerable Washington citizens.8 This act requires legislative hearings on tort payouts exceeding 9 $1,000,000. It is the intent of this act that such hearings will 10 provide an opportunity for legislative review of the agency's 11 actions, including an examination of what changes could be made to 12 prevent such harm in the future. 13 NEW SECTION. Sec. 2. A new section is added to chapter 4.92 RCW 14 to read as follows: 15 Whenever a payment of $1,000,000 or more is made from the 16 liability account under RCW 4.92.130 for a settlement or judgment for 17 the tortious conduct of the state's officers, employees, or 18 volunteers, the appropriate policy and fiscal committees of the 19 S-0322.1 SENATE BILL 5144 State of Washington 69th Legislature 2025 Regular Session By Senators Gildon, Braun, Christian, Fortunato, Warnick, and J. Wilson Prefiled 01/07/25. Read first time 01/13/25. Referred to Committee on Law & Justice. p. 1 SB 5144 senate and house of representatives shall, within 12 months of the 1 payment, conduct a joint hearing for the purposes of:2 (1) Receiving a report from the attorney general, the office of 3 risk management, and the agency on which behalf the payment was made. 4 The report shall describe the factual events and legal context that 5 resulted in the payment; and 6 (2) Considering potential modifications to state practices and 7 policies to prevent or reduce future state liability for tortious 8 conduct. 9 The information presented at the hearing shall be consistent with 10 the protections afforded by the attorney/client privilege and the 11 confidentiality of attorney work product. 12 --- END --- p. 2 SB 5144