Senate stands up for homeowners

OLYMPIA – Unlike surgeons who leave a scalpel in their patients’ bodies or drivers who get in accidents, homebuilders in Washington cannot be held liable for damages caused by shoddy construction unless the homebuyer has an air tight contract. Fewer than 1 percent of Washingtonians have such a contract. That gross double-standard is one step closer to being remedied after Senate Bill 6385, sponsored by Sen. Brian Weinstein, D-Mercer Island, passed the Senate floor 27-20 today.

“This bill is for the citizens of Washington who cannot afford or should not have to hire a lawyer to negotiate a contract when they buy a home,” Weinstein said. “This bill ensures homeownership dreams are not turned into nightmares.”

SB 6385 gives homebuyers a cause of action against negligent homebuilders who fail to exercise a reasonable duty of care in home construction or remodeling – a right homebuyers have in 46 other states.

“Senate Bill 6385 makes a homebuilder equal, no less or more, than other professionals in this state,” Weinstein said. “People want their rights. This bill gives them their rights.”

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