The bill addresses the ongoing shortage of attorneys in Washington State, particularly in public defense and prosecution roles, which has been highlighted through various legislative testimonies and studies. It emphasizes the need for increased access to legal services for low and moderate-income residents, as previous studies have shown that many individuals in these demographics struggle to afford legal assistance. The bill advocates for the reinstatement and expansion of the limited license legal technician program, which was established in 2012 to allow certain individuals to provide limited legal assistance in specific areas of law.

Specifically, the bill calls for the reversal of the sunset on the limited license legal technician program, allowing for the issuance of new licenses to qualified candidates. It also seeks to expand the program to include assistance in administrative law, eviction, and debt assistance within one year, following recommendations from the limited license legal technician board. Additionally, the bill proposes the formation of a work group to explore how limited license legal technicians can assist individuals charged with offenses in courts of limited jurisdiction, with a goal of delivering recommendations for further program expansion within two years.