Washington State Attorney General Rob McKenna is set to seek liability legislation that would make the state immune to certain lawsuits.

Washington has spent more than $500 million in legal fees just since 1987. The figure includes the costs to pay claims, settle cases and defend against lawsuits. This has led the State Legislature to budget approximately $150 million for 2005-07 to pay for possible future litigation.

The proposal has drawn fire from trial lawyers and state lawmakers while Democratic Governor Christine Gregoire has adopted a wait and see philosophy until details of McKenna's proposed legislation are revealed.