The House Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee took testimony on Senate Joint Memorial 8006 on March 14, asking the Washington Supreme Court to reverse its prior decision to sunset the limited license legal technician (LLLT) program and to consider expanding the program’s scope.

Committee staff summarized that the memorial requests the court to: (1) reinstate LLLT license issuance; (2) within one year expand the LLLT program to authorize assistance at administrative hearings and to provide eviction and debt assistance; and (3) convene a work group to consider authorization for LLLTs to assist defendants charged with offenses in courts of limited jurisdiction and deliver recommendations within two years.

Senator Nikki Torres, which she identified as representing the 15th Legislative District, said the memorial responds to access‑to‑justice shortfalls and the shortage of attorneys, particularly in eviction and debt matters. “Most people can't afford an attorney to help with those hearings,” she said, and described the memorial as a request for the Supreme Court to reconsider the program’s sunset and the scope of practice.

Several LLLTs and advocates testified in support. Michael Begley, who completed the LLLT curriculum but did not finalize licensing, described pro se litigants’ needs in family law and urged restoring and expanding the program. Alicia DeGan (LLLT No. 131) described operating a legal technician practice and assisting more than 1,200 pro se litigants, and urged broader program support and tech‑enabled court processes to reduce costs.

Committee members asked about cost and sustainability; members noted the Supreme Court previously cited high per‑license issuance costs in choosing to sunset the program. Senator Torres and witnesses said the memorial envisions education partnerships such as community colleges to reduce cost and asked a work group to address financial and regulatory safeguards.

No vote or formal action occurred. Advocates urged the committee to pass the memorial to prompt the Supreme Court to review program restoration and expansion; opponents and questions about affordability and scope were recorded in testimony.

Ending: Proponents said reinstating and expanding LLLTs could increase access to justice for eviction, debt, and family law matters; the memorial asks the Supreme Court to study options and report back.