On Wednesday, February 4, leaders from the Washington Defense Trial Lawyers traveled to Olympia for WDTL’s annual Day on the Hill. WDTL’s Day on the Hill is an important opportunity to strengthen relationships with policymakers and ensure the defense bar’s practical experience informs legislative decision‑making.
Past President Mike Rhodes of Mix Sanders Thompson, President‑Elect Ashley Nagrodski of Smith Freed Eberhard, and Executive Director Maggie Sweeney represented WDTL. They were joined by legislative consultants Christine Brewer and Kris Tefft of Brewer Public Affairs, who guided the group through a full day of committee hearings, floor activity, and meetings with key lawmakers.
The day began in the House Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee, where members observed executive session discussions on several issues affecting civil practice. From there, the delegation moved into a series of morning meetings with legislators whose work intersects with civil litigation, insurance, and consumer protection. Conversations with Rep. David Hackney and Rep. Cindy Ryu offered opportunities to discuss the practical impacts of proposed legislation and to share WDTL’s perspective on maintaining balance and fairness within Washington’s civil justice system.
The group then spent time on the House floor and met with Rep. Jamila Taylor, Chair of the House Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee. In the early afternoon, the delegation attended the Senate Floor Session and later observed the House Consumer Protection & Business Committee as it considered several matters relevant to insurers, policyholders, and defense practitioners.
The afternoon also provided additional opportunities for engagement. The group met Senate Minority Leader John Braun and had a brief but meaningful conversation with Rep. Peter Abbarno, further strengthening WDTL’s bipartisan relationships in Olympia. The day concluded with a meeting with Rep. My‑Linh Thai, a member of the House Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee.
Throughout these conversations, WDTL representatives also discussed WDTL’s opposition to HB 2095 (Protecting Vulnerable Users of Public Ways) WDTL’s concerns center on the bill’s attorney‑fee provision and punitive‑damages framework. As summarized by Past President Mike Rhodes, the bill would expose ordinary drivers, and by extension businesses and government agencies, to uncapped, uninsurable attorney‑fee awards in accidents involving pedestrians, cyclists, motorcycles, and other users deemed “vulnerable.” Rhodes emphasized that Washington drivers already carry mandatory liability insurance, and adding an uncapped attorney‑fee exposure would create significant and unpredictable financial risk for taxpayers. He also noted that the bill’s punitive‑damages language appears designed to target entities with large vehicle fleets, creating incentives for prolonged litigation and uncertainty about how courts would apply the standard. In WDTL’s view, existing criminal and civil penalties already address negligent or reckless driving, and the proposed changes would not meaningfully improve public safety.
Throughout the visit, WDTL emphasized its commitment to providing lawmakers with clear, experience‑based insight into how proposed legislation affects real cases, real clients, and the functioning of Washington’s courts. Christine Brewer and Kris Tefft provided strategic guidance throughout the day, helping the delegation navigate a packed legislative schedule and connect with lawmakers across both chambers.
Day on the Hill is one of the most important ways WDTL fulfills its mission,” said Executive Director Maggie Sweeney. “Our members bring deep, real‑world expertise, and we hope legislators value hearing directly from the people who work in the civil justice system every day.”
As the 2026 session continues, WDTL will remain actively engaged by monitoring developments, offering testimony when appropriate, and keeping members informed. The 2026 Day on the Hill underscored the importance of presence, partnership, and informed advocacy to ensure the defense bar’s perspective is known and, hopefully, considered in Washington’s legislative conversation.
