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WA SB5976

Bill

Status

Introduced

1/12/2026

Primary Sponsor

Paul Harris

Click for details

Origin

Senate

2025-2026 Regular Session

AI Summary

  • Amends the standard for misleading email subject lines from "false or misleading" to a more specific test requiring actual or implied knowledge that the subject would mislead a reasonable recipient about a material fact
  • Changes the knowledge standard for identifying Washington residents from "reason to know" to "reliable basis to know"
  • Requires plaintiffs claiming damages to prove they received, reviewed, and detrimentally relied upon the violating email (previously just required being a recipient)
  • Removes violations of RCW 19.190.020 (deceptive commercial emails) from automatic Consumer Protection Act enforcement, while maintaining CPA applicability for other chapter violations
  • Applies retroactively to all causes of action commenced after the effective date, regardless of when the violation occurred

Legislative Description

Modifying the Washington commercial electronic mail act.

Last Action

Executive session scheduled, but no action was taken in the Senate Committee on Business, Trade & Economic Development at 8:00 AM.

2/4/2026

Committee Referrals

Business, Trade & Economic Development1/12/2026

Full Bill Text

No bill text available