GENERAL RULE 9

RULE AMENDMENT COVER SHEET

SUGGESTED AMENDMENTS TO GR 27

1.      Proponent

The 2023-2024 Courthouse Facilitator Advisory Committee, which is a committee created by the Supreme Court pursuant to GR 27(b). Members include one representative of the following: Superior Court Judges, Superior Court Commissioners, Superior Court Administrators, County Clerks, Clerk-based Courthouse Facilitators, Administrator-based Courthouse Facilitators, Members of the Access to Justice Board, Members of the Family Law Section of the Washington State Bar Association, Department of Social & Health Services Division of Child Support, Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys, Washington Practice of Law Board, Law Librarians, CLEAR Attorneys Northwest Justice Project, and Members of the Gender and Justice Commission.

2.      Spokesperson

Name and Title: Kayley Carrillo, Court Program Analyst of the Court Equity and Access Program, within the Office of Court Innovation of the Administrative Office of the Courts.

Email Address: Kayley.carrillo@courts.wa.gov

Phone Number: 360-791-3350

3.      Purpose

The 2023-2024 Courthouse Facilitator Advisory Committee makes this proposal for various reasons, the key points are to 1) update law changes, 2) include accessibility language, and 3) change all references from “pro se” to “self-represented persons”.

First, to update law changes specifically, RCW 11.88 and RCW 11.92 have been removed from the Rule, by reference. Protection Orders have been added by reference because some counties’ Facilitators assist with this case type. Other updates made are to refer to “Courthouse Facilitator” as a consistent title, with proper capitalization throughout. The “definitions” section has been alphabetized to improve organization as well as explained in further detail while capturing the essence of the current Rule.

Second, the current Rule has limited language about the Courthouse Facilitator’s role to provide accessibility help. The Advisory Committee wanted to elaborate on what that help should entail and refer to GR 33 to capture the full extent of ADA Accommodations. Our hope is other committees will take notice and make similar recommendations for Rule changes.

Third, we changed all “pro se” references to “self-represented person”. With the help of the Administrative Office of the Court’s Court Equity and Access Program, it was decided the Latin term for those without an attorney causes confusion to those whom it describes. “Self-represented person” was the alternative we selected and have updated GR 27 to reflect the change in language.

4.      Is a Public Hearing Recommended?

The 2023-2024 Courthouse Facilitator Advisory Committee does not believe a   Public Hearing is needed.

5.      Is Expedited Consideration Requested?

The 2023-2024 Courthouse Facilitator Advisory Committee does not believe expedited consideration is needed.