Washington's RCW 19.16.260 is marked with a 2026 change affecting collection-agency litigation requirements. The statute now requires a collection agency or out-of-state collection agency to allege and prove it is duly licensed and has satisfied bonding requirements before bringing or maintaining certain court actions.
What changed
The amendment also adds chain-of-title documentation requirements when debt has been assigned more than once. This tightens proof requirements at the pleading and evidentiary stages for collection lawsuits.
Compliance perspective
Debt collectors active in Washington should confirm licensing and bond status before filing suit and make sure account-level documentation supports assignment history. Litigation vendors and outside counsel workflows should be updated to gather this support up front.
Need help staying compliant?
Tell us where you operate and what licenses you hold; we'll handle the filings and renewals so changes like this do not catch you off guard.