HomeMy WebLinkAboutADDITIONAL BUSINESS Letter to the Editor in support of SB6239
February 17, 2026
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Dear Editor,
As county commissioners representing communities across Washington state, we write in strong support
of Senate Bill 6239 and its aim to create a claims commission within the office of administrative hearings
for certain tort claims against the state and its subdivisions, including counties. The bill rightly recognizes
that our courts are overburdened, with growing caseloads and rising litigation costs draining public
resources that could otherwise fund essential services like roads, public safety, mental health programs,
and support for vulnerable residents. We applaud the legislation's intent to provide faster, less adversarial
paths to resolution in claims against governmental entities.
The claims commission can deliver justice more efficiently by resolving disputes quicker, reducing legal
fees for all parties, and allowing injured individuals to receive compensation sooner rather than after years
of protracted court battles. By easing the strain on our judicial system, judges and court staff will be able
to focus on the most complex cases and pressing matters that truly require full trial proceedings.
While this legislation is a great first step and we strongly support SB 6239, we urge the House of
Representatives to allow a broader set of claims facing our counties to be heard before the claims
commission.
Washingtonians deserve a civil justice system that is both fair and fiscally responsible. SB 6239 takes an
important step in that direction. We respectfully call on the House of Representatives to pass this bill
creating a claims commission and broaden the scope of the commission to hear all claims against
counties.
Our communities—and the people we serve—will benefit from a system that prioritizes timely justice,
cost efficiency, and accountability.
Sincerely,
[Name], County Commissioner, [County Name]
[Name], County Commissioner, [County Name]
[Name], County Commissioner, [County Name]
And additional undersigned county commissioners from across Washington state