The bill amends existing laws regarding public defense services in Washington State, establishing a shared funding responsibility among the state, counties, and cities beginning in fiscal year 2026. The state will cover 50% of the costs based on a five-year average of actual expenditures by eligible counties, and it will assume responsibility for any costs exceeding this average. Eligible counties will receive funds from the Washington State Office of Public Defense for costs that surpass the five-year average, with specific guidelines on how these funds can be utilized, including for pretrial diversion programs and administrative expenditures related to public defense services.

Additionally, the bill introduces new requirements for counties and cities to report on public defense expenditures and case statistics, ensuring accountability and quality improvement in public defense services. It mandates the creation of a new section that requires the Office of Public Defense to examine trial-level caseloads and make recommendations to address shortages of qualified lawyers. Furthermore, the Office of the Administrator for the Courts is tasked with collecting data on cases assigned to public defenders, which will be included in annual reports. These changes aim to enhance the effectiveness and accessibility of public defense services across the state.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 10.101.050, 10.101.060, 10.101.070