Attempt to rein in surging lawsuit costs stalls in WA Legislature

By: Jake Goldstein-Street

Outlets: Washington State Standard

Published: February 25, 2026

Words: 1,042

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 2 days ago

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Democrats’ main attempt to reduce skyrocketing lawsuit payouts by the state and local governments isn’t moving forward in the Washington Legislature this year.

Lawmakers were looking to provide some relief as the state spent roughly $500 million last year in settlements and jury verdicts in cases involving government misconduct. Attorney fees have also piled up. The now-derailed proposal aimed to cut down expenses by resolving more cases before they reached the court system.

State …

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