In 2023, the state of Washington revised (RCW 6.15.010), effective July 23, 2023:
- increased the wildcard exemption to $10,000
RCW 6.15.010(1)(d)(ii) - the motor vehicle exemption from $3,250 to $15,000
RCW 6.15.010(1)(d)(iv) - and the tools of trade exemption to $15,000
- raised the jewelry exemption from $1,000 to 3,500
RCW 6.15.010(1)(d), each married person of a spousal community is now “entitled to his or her own exemptions in this subsection…” In effect, this amendment doubles the personal property exemptions available to a marital community.
Exclusive to bankruptcy cases, RCW 6.15.010(1)(d)(viii) creates an unlimited exemption in personal injury proceeds: “In a bankruptcy case, the right to or proceeds of personal injury of the debtor or an individual of whom the debtor is a dependent; or the right to or proceeds of a payment in compensation of loss of future earnings of the debtor or an individual of whom the debtor is or was a dependent are free of the enforcement of the claims of creditors, except to the extent such claims are for the satisfaction of any liens or subrogation claims arising out of the claims for personal injury or death.”
Washington joins several other states, including Wyoming and Arizona, that have made big changes in recent years.