diff --git a/web/tests/pm_list.test.js b/web/tests/pm_list.test.js
index 3a71cec08e..50594f5c53 100644
--- a/web/tests/pm_list.test.js
+++ b/web/tests/pm_list.test.js
@@ -6,16 +6,11 @@ const {zrequire} = require("./lib/namespace");
 const {run_test} = require("./lib/test");
 const $ = require("./lib/zjquery");
 
-const narrow_state = zrequire("narrow_state");
 const pm_list = zrequire("pm_list");
 
 run_test("update_dom_with_unread_counts", () => {
     let counts;
 
-    // simulate an active narrow
-    narrow_state.set_current_filter("stub");
-    assert.equal(narrow_state.active(), true);
-
     const $total_count = $.create("total-count-stub");
     const $private_li = $(
         ".direct-messages-container #private_messages_section #private_messages_section_header",