Committee reports five bills out with due-pass recommendations; roll-call tallies posted

The Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee on Jan. 30 reported five bills out of committee with due-pass recommendations after executive action.

House Bill 2161 (substitute) — civil investigative demands: The committee considered a proposed substitute that would limit the attorney general’s civil investigative demand (CID) authority so it does not apply in criminal investigations, require that CIDs not be used for improper purposes inconsistent with professional-conduct rules, and extend the time to challenge a demand in court from 20 to 30 days. Representative Farvar framed the substitute as needed clarification; Representative Veil opposed on procedural grounds, calling it ‘‘a cart before the horse’’ because respondents must start a separate legal action to contest a CID. The roll-call vote resulted in 7 ayes, 5 nays, and 1 excused; the substitute was reported out of committee with a due-pass recommendation.

House Bill 2304 — condominium warranty coverage: Vice Chair Farber described HB 2304 as adding four-story and stacked-flat buildings to eligibility for extended warranty coverage as part of a broader effort to reduce barriers to condominium construction in infill areas. Representative Jacobson said the bill has broad support from building industry and real-estate groups. The committee adopted a voice vote; staff announced 12 ayes, 0 nays, 1 excused, and reported HB 2304 out with a due pass recommendation.

House Bill 2445 — probate law revisions: Representative Farber moved HB 2445, saying the bill strengthens protections for vulnerable people during probate. Representative Walsh said his caucus would be split and urged careful narrowing of certain language to avoid undue burdens on legitimate estate participants. The roll-call vote resulted in 10 ayes, 2 nays, and 1 excused; HB 2445 was reported out with a due-pass recommendation.

House Bill 2590 (substitute) — limited equity cooperatives: The committee considered and adopted amendment Bakke 464 (moved by Representative Peterson), which broadened the definition of limited equity cooperative to expand eligible buyers and clarified qualification criteria. Supporters characterized the change as improving affordable homeownership opportunities. Representative Walsh asked clarifying questions about whether exempting limited equity cooperatives from the relevant common-interest ownership statute was permissive or mandatory; staff clarified the exemption is general unless the cooperative elects to be subject to the statute. The roll-call vote on the substitute was 8 ayes, 4 nays, and 1 excused; the substitute was reported out with a due-pass recommendation.

House Bill 2412 — superior court judges in Yakima County: Committee staff noted the bill would increase statutorily authorized superior court positions in Yakima County from eight to nine and said funding and space were available. The committee adopted HB 2412 by voice vote; staff announced 12 ayes, 0 nays, 1 excused and reported the bill out with a due pass recommendation.

Recorded votes and outcomes (as announced by committee staff): - Substitute HB 2161: reported out, 7 ayes, 5 nays, 1 excused. - HB 2304: reported out, 12 ayes, 0 nays, 1 excused. - HB 2445: reported out, 10 ayes, 2 nays, 1 excused. - Substitute HB 2590 (with Bakke 464 adopted): reported out, 8 ayes, 4 nays, 1 excused. - HB 2412: reported out, 12 ayes, 0 nays, 1 excused.

The committee adjourned executive action and concluded the Jan. 30 hearing.