WA SB5021

Reduces the minimum retention period for court exhibits from six years to five years after final judgment, after which county clerks may apply to superior court for authorization to dispose of or destroy them

Maintains the requirement that reporters' notes in criminal cases must be preserved for at least 15 years

Allows exhibits of possible value to be turned over to the sheriff for disposal under chapter 63.40 RCW, while other exhibits, unopened depositions, and reporters' notes may be destroyed

Permits exhibits with historical value to be delivered to libraries or historical societies

Effective date: July 27, 2025