A bill authored by Rep. Keith Goehner that will officially make any property sold by a county treasurer in a tax lien foreclosure sale to be sold “as is” was signed into law Wednesday, April 17, by Gov. Jay Inslee.

House Bill 1634 will expand the language in state law to ensure anyone buying property in foreclosure knows there are no implied warranties.

“It provides some consumer protection for counties and local treasurers. Most of the public is not familiar with the ‘as is’ law. This creates problems when the buyer expects to be able to build or modify the property in a way the county or city does not allow,” said Goehner, R-Dryden. “This law will protect local governments from litigation by purchasers who are unaware of restrictions on the foreclosed parcels.”

Goehner added in today’s economy with many people turning houses and buying fixer-uppers, this is much-needed legislation.

The bill takes effect 90 days after the regular session adjourns.