Process Service Legislation in Washington

In the interest of keeping everyone apprised of recent legislation affecting the process serving industry, we wanted to pass on some information provided by the Washington State Process Server Association (WSPSA) in their recent newsletter.

One of the most noted pieces of legislation is HB 1131, which would make assault against a process server a third degree provision. Registration with an auditor of the county where the process server lives or operates their principal place of business is required with some exceptions, such as if the process server is court appointed or is a sheriff or constable. If passed this law would only extend protection to those who have registered or who are exempt.

The bill was recently reintroduced and retained on May 13th after seeing no action since it was referred to the Appropriations Subcommittee on General Government on February 4th. Hopefully Washington will soon be another state where the law offers an increased level of protection for process servers.

Two other bills were mentioned which allow for alternate service after only two attempts: HB 1307, which was signed by the Governor on April 25th regarding sexual assault protection orders, and HB 1383 which was signed by the Governor on April 27th and involves stalking protection orders.  Both bills will become effective on July 28th.

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