Washington legislation · 2025-26 Regular Session
Washington HB2255: Litigation finance
Status: In committee, February 19, 2026
Concerning litigation finance.
What the bill says
An act Relating to litigation finance; adding a new chapter to Title 19 RCW; and providing an effective date. NEW SECTION.
From the introduced text:
AN ACT Relating to litigation finance; adding a new chapter to Title 19 RCW; and providing an effective date. NEW SECTION. Sec. 1. The definitions in this section apply throughout this chapter unless the context clearly requires otherwise. (1) "Attorney" means an attorney, group of attorneys, or law firm that represents a party in any legal action. (2) "Claimant" means any individual who is or may become a plaintiff, claimant, or complainant in a legal action in this state. (3) "Foreign country of concern" includes the and (b) A country designated as a threat to critical infrastructure by the federal government or the governor. (4) "Foreign entity of concern" means a partnership, association, corporation, organization, or other combination of persons (b) Is owned or controlled by the government, a political subdivision, or a political party of a foreign country of concern; (c) Has a principal place of business in a foreign country of concern; or (d) Is owned, organized or controlled by, or affiliated with a foreign organization that has or (ii) Designated by the United States secretary of state as a foreign terrorist organization. (5) "Legal action" means any legal claim, civil action, administrative proceeding, or cause of action. (6) "Litigation expenses" means any typical fees, costs, expenditures, or other expenses incurred to pursue a legal action including, but …
Sponsors
- Amy Walen (D) · primary sponsor
- Jim Walsh (R)
- Greg Nance (D)
Latest actions
- : House Rules "X" file.
- : Returned to Rules Committee for second reading.
- : Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.
- : Referred to Rules 2 Review.
- : Minority; without recommendation.
- : CRJ - Majority; do pass.
- : Executive action taken in the House Committee on Civil Rights & Judiciary at 8:00 AM.
- : Public hearing in the House Committee on Civil Rights & Judiciary at 8:00 AM.
- : First reading, referred to Civil Rights & Judiciary.
- : Prefiled for introduction.
Votes
- House Committee on Civil Rights & Judiciary: Do pass (February 4, 2026): 12 yea, 0 nay, passed
Subjects: BUSINESSES, ATTORNEYS
Common questions
- What is HB2255?
- HB2255 is a bill in the Washington Legislature (2025-26 Regular Session): Litigation finance.
- What does HB2255 do?
- In its own words: An act Relating to litigation finance; adding a new chapter to Title 19 RCW; and providing an effective date. NEW SECTION.
- What is the status of HB2255?
- In committee as of February 19, 2026. Latest action: House Rules "X" file. (February 19, 2026).
- Who sponsored HB2255?
- Amy Walen (D), with 2 co-sponsors.
- Where is the official record for HB2255?
- On the Washington Legislature website: https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2255&Year=2025
Source: official Washington record. Tracked by Delilah, AI for legislation across all 50 states and Congress.