The Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee on Friday, Feb. 7, voted unanimously to report substitute House Bill 1621 out of committee with a due‑pass recommendation and adopted Amendment LOER 5 to add an emergency clause for immediate effect.

Proponents told the committee that authorizing superior courts to appoint housing court commissioners to handle unlawful detainer cases (evictions) would help reduce backlog and speed adjudication. Representative Peterson, who said she chairs the House Housing Committee, noted that eviction case wait times have been decreasing but still impose burdens in more populous counties and that the emergency clause would allow the new commissioners to begin work immediately.

Amendment and debate

The committee adopted LOER 5, which adds an emergency clause with an immediate effective date so appointed commissioners can begin handling unlawful detainer cases without delay. Supporters described the change as a practical step to “clear out the backlog” and improve adjudication speed for landlords and tenants alike.

Vote and outcome

The committee took a voice vote on the substitute bill and then staff announced the recorded result: 13 ayes, 0 nays, 0 excused or absent. Substitute HB 1621 was reported out of committee with a due‑pass recommendation and the adopted emergency clause.

Why it matters

Allowing superior courts to appoint housing‑court commissioners to hear unlawful detainer actions could change how eviction cases are scheduled and decided in counties with chronic backlogs, potentially shortening time to resolution for both landlords and tenants. Sponsors said faster adjudication is important to improving housing stability and making the civil justice system more efficient.

Ending

With the committee’s unanimous recommendation and the added emergency clause, substitute HB 1621 moves to the House floor for consideration.