During a reopening of the House Housing Committee, Kenton Gartrell of Yakima County testified in opposition to House Bill 1003, describing the bill language as redundant and legally unnecessary.

Gartrell, who identified himself as PCO 102 of the 14th District, told the committee the proposal would not change the practical outcome of eviction or landlord‑tenant proceedings and said the bill includes language referring to the postal service that is outside state jurisdiction because the U.S. Postal Service is federally operated. "I think it should be opposed," Gartrell said, arguing the change would waste taxpayers' resources.

Committee staff noted they had no other speakers signed in for HB 1003 at the time; the committee closed the hearing after Gartrell's remarks. No committee vote was taken during the hearing.