Washington legislation · 2025-26 Regular Session
Washington SB5536: Property distrib./divorce
Status: Passed one chamber, March 12, 2026
Concerning the just and equitable distribution of real property and liabilities in the dissolution of marriage or domestic partnerships.
What the bill says
An act Relating to the just and equitable distribution of real property and liabilities in the dissolution of marriage or domestic partnerships; amending RCW 26.09.080; and adding a new section to chapter 26.09 RCW. NEW SECTION.
From the introduced text:
AN ACT Relating to the just and equitable distribution of real property and liabilities in the dissolution of marriage or domestic partnerships; amending RCW 26.09.080; and adding a new section to chapter 26.09 RCW. NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. A new section is added to chapter 26.09 RCW to read as follows: In a proceeding for dissolution of a marriage or domestic partnership a court order issued regarding the disposition and ownership of real property may be enforced by either party. Secured and unsecured creditors must adhere to the conditions set forth in the court order related to the disposition and ownership of real property. Sec. 2. RCW 26.09.080 and 2008 c 6 s 1011 are each amended to read as follows: In a proceeding for dissolution of the marriage or domestic partnership, legal separation, declaration of invalidity, or in a proceeding for disposition of property following dissolution of the marriage or the domestic partnership by a court which lacked personal jurisdiction over the absent spouse or absent domestic partner or lacked jurisdiction to dispose of the property, the court shall, without regard to misconduct, make such disposition of the property and the liabilities of the parties, either community or separate, as shall appear just and equitable after considering all relevant factors including, but not limited (2) The nature and extent …
Sponsors
- Phil Fortunato (R) · primary sponsor
Latest actions
- : By resolution, returned to Senate Rules Committee for third reading.
- : Public hearing in the House Committee on Civil Rights & Judiciary at 10:30 AM.
- : First reading, referred to Civil Rights & Judiciary.
- : Third reading, passed; yeas, 41; nays, 7; absent, 0; excused, 1.
- : Placed on third reading by Rules Committee.
- : By resolution, reintroduced and retained in present status.
- : By resolution, returned to Senate Rules Committee for third reading.
- : First reading, referred to Civil Rights & Judiciary.
- : Third reading, passed; yeas, 46; nays, 2; absent, 0; excused, 1.
- : Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.
Votes
- Final Passage (February 13, 2026): 41 yea, 7 nay, passed
- 3rd Reading & Final Passage (March 12, 2025): 46 yea, 2 nay, passed
- Senate Committee on Law & Justice: Do pass (February 13, 2025): 7 yea, 1 nay, passed
Subjects: DOMESTIC RELATIONS, REAL ESTATE AND REAL PROPERTY
Common questions
- What is SB5536?
- SB5536 is a bill in the Washington Legislature (2025-26 Regular Session): Property distrib./divorce.
- What does SB5536 do?
- In its own words: An act Relating to the just and equitable distribution of real property and liabilities in the dissolution of marriage or domestic partnerships; amending RCW 26.09.080; and adding a new section to chapter 26.09 RCW. NEW SECTION.
- What is the status of SB5536?
- Passed one chamber as of March 12, 2026. Latest action: By resolution, returned to Senate Rules Committee for third reading. (March 12, 2026).
- Who sponsored SB5536?
- Phil Fortunato (R).
- Where is the official record for SB5536?
- On the Washington Legislature website: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5536&Year=2025
Source: official Washington record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.