OLYMPIA, Wash. — A new bill by Senator Marcus Riccelli (D-Spokane) aims to increase the arbitration fee collected on the registration of each new motor vehicle from $3 to $6. This fee supports the New Motor Vehicle Arbitration Account, which funds the arbitration process under the state’s Lemon Law.
Senate Bill 5832, sponsored by Senators Riccelli, Stanford and Nobles at the request of the Attorney General, was prefiled on December 4, 2025. It was read for the first time on January 12, 2026, and referred to the Committee on Ways & Means.
The Lemon Law ensures that consumers, dealers and manufacturers adhere to certain responsibilities when dealing with defective vehicles. The arbitration process, managed by the Office of the Attorney General, resolves disputes before any lawsuits can be filed.
The increase in the arbitration fee is intended to support the ongoing operations of the New Motor Vehicle Arbitration Board. The fee is collected by the seller or lessor of the vehicle and remitted to the Department of Licensing.
The bill awaits further consideration and discussion by the State House.
