Today, the Washington State Legislature passed substitute bill HB1788 by a vote of 96-1-1, repealing the WA Bar Act, which is the WSBA's charter. The purpose of this repeal is to allow the Supreme Court to seize funds to apply to its pet projects, now that the WSBA WSBA Board of Governors has show a speck of independence. There is no legitimate reason to kill the Bar Act. Please click the link below and click on the link that says "Comment on this bill."

Comment On The Bill This repeal of the Bar Act strips the Washington state Bar Association of its Legislative Charter. The impact will be to give its funds into the keeping of the Court, which is not allowed to tax and wants the money for its pet projects. The bill has been snuck through the Legislature without the customary discuss within the Bar. If passed, the bill will expose Washington State to a federal Takings Clause lawsuit. As you know, WSBA existed long before GR12 asserted Court control over its assets. That Court rule purported to take WSBA's assets, including its name, treasury and intellectual property without compensation to the association.

This is a mess Washington State should avoid. Inslee should Veto the bill, and let a regular discussion ensue.