Support the Charitable Organizations Privacy Protection Act (HB 2500)

Proposed legislation moving through the Washington State Legislature could bring meaningful, long-overdue improvements for charitable organizations—and your voice can help ensure it passes.

The Charitable Organizations Privacy Protection Act (HB 2500) is scheduled for a public hearing on Wednesday, January 28 at 8:00 a.m. The bill addresses common and persistent challenges nonprofits face when they are named as beneficiaries of life insurance policies, retirement accounts, and other non-probate assets.

Why HB 2500 Matters for Nonprofits

When charitable organizations receive beneficiary designations, the process of accessing those gifts is often delayed by inconsistent requirements, unnecessary documentation, and privacy concerns.

HB 2500 would help by:

• Requiring timely notice Financial institutions and insurers would be required to notify charitable beneficiaries within 10 business days of learning of a donor’s death.

• Protecting staff and board privacy Institutions could not require personal identifying information—such as Social Security numbers, home addresses, or personal financial details—of nonprofit employees or board members as a condition of payment.

• Standardizing and simplifying claims The bill establishes a clear affidavit process nonprofits can use to obtain information or receive assets without unnecessary delays or inconsistent documentation requests.

• Preventing improper payment conditions Property holders could not require nonprofits to open accounts, coordinate submissions with co-beneficiaries, or wait for other beneficiaries before receiving their share.

• Ensuring timely distribution Once a complete affidavit is submitted, payment must be made within 30 days.

• Providing enforcement tools Nonprofits would have a clear legal remedy—including potential damages and attorneys’ fees—if institutions fail to comply with the law.

At its core, HB 2500 protects donor intent, reduces administrative burden, and ensures charitable gifts are transferred promptly and securely—without compromising the privacy of those who serve our organizations.

How You Can Help

Nonprofits are encouraged to register in support and submit written testimony for the upcoming hearing. Written testimony is quick to submit, does not require attending the hearing, and plays an important role in helping legislators understand how this issue affects the charitable sector.

Visit the HB 2500 bill page and select “Sign up to testify / Submit written testimony.” Even a brief statement describing how delays, privacy concerns, or inconsistent requirements have affected your organization can be highly impactful.

Thank you for considering lending your voice in support of this important legislation. Please feel free to share this opportunity with colleagues or partner organizations who may also be affected.

If you have questions or would like assistance drafting testimony, please contact

CHRIS STILES, J.D. ’96 | GONZAGA UNIVERSITY | Senior Director of Gift Planning

E stilesc@gonzaga.edu