Washington Constitution Article XIX - Exemptions
Washington Constitution – Article XIX: Exemptions
Article XIX of the Washington State Constitution deals with property exemptions, specifically those protecting certain property from forced sale or seizure to satisfy debts. Here's a summary of its content:
Section 1 – Homestead Exemption
The legislature must protect a reasonable amount of a homestead from forced sale, except for debts such as taxes or mortgages.
This means Washington law must allow individuals to keep their primary residence (or a portion of its value) safe from most creditors, ensuring families are not left homeless due to financial hardship.
Section 2 – Personal Property Exemptions
The legislature is also directed to pass laws protecting a reasonable amount of personal property from seizure for debt.
These may include:
Clothing
Tools of a trade
Household goods
Other essentials necessary for basic living
Purpose:
This article is meant to ensure basic economic security for individuals and families by preventing total loss of essential property due to debt collection.
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