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How Many Lawsuits Is WA State Involved In?

Did you know that Washington paid nearly $500 million in lawsuit settlements between 2024 and 2025? That number is way up from the $100 million the state paid between 2020 and 2021. Most of the increase is from litigation against the Department of Children, Youth, and Families, which oversees child welfare, juvenile rehabilitation, and family support services, with many suits tied to conduct from decades ago. Officials expect this trend to continue rather than level off because, unlike most states, Washington has no cap on damages in these types of cases. Lawmakers have tried and failed to pass reforms many times. But these numbers are just for suits filed against the state, there’s even more lawsuits coming from the state.

• Federal requirements: Washington is leading a lawsuit, alongside 21 other states, that challenges new federal homelessness funding rules that were announced last month by the U.S. housing agency. Attorney General Nick Brown argues that the changes are unlawful. The rule shift threatens housing for thousands of formerly homeless people nationwide, including nearly 1,700 people here in King County. [Seattle Times]
• Unlawful merger: WA is also one of 12 states suing to stop Paramount from acquiring Warner Bros. The lawsuit aims to block a major merger that would combine some of the largest movie studios, TV newsrooms, and other entertainment assets under one company, effectively monopolizing the industry. CA’s AG Rob Bonta said in a statement: "With this lawsuit, California and our sister states are fighting for free and fair markets, not rigged markets. America has no kings in government or our economy." [KUOW]
• Epidemic liability: WA is suing grocery store chain Albertsons over its alleged role in the opioid epidemic, arguing the store’s pharmacies dispensed millions of opioid pills despite red flags that should have prompted more caution. The case recently went to trial in King County Superior Court. A verdict against Albertsons could bring additional funding for the state's opioid crisis response. [Washington State Standard]
• For even more of a Washington state lawsuit roundup, listen to today’s episode of the podcast:

🤖 AI-generated nostalgia: An Instagram creator called "Roxy In Time" made an AI video pretending to be a time-traveling vlogger visiting Seattle to check out the grunge music scene in 1992. It’s deeply unsettling to watch and probably inspired by the new Legally Blonde prequel. Thanks, I hate it. [GeekWire]

📝 New FAFSA requirement: Gov. Ferguson announced a proposal that would require Washington high school seniors to complete financial aid paperwork (FAFSA or the state equivalent, WASFA) in order to graduate. Raising FAFSA completion rates has been a priority since Ferguson took office, and he plans to push lawmakers to pass the requirement in the legislative session starting in January. [Washington State Standard]

☕ A hot new bombshell enters the villa: Seattle’s robust coffee scene will soon be growing with the addition of Dutch Bros in SODO. Their first location in the city will be inside of an old Starbucks, right next to Costco. The company already has over 70 locations in our state, but this one will be a big deal to all the “Dutchies” who have been begging for the franchise to move closer. [FOX 13]