The bill amends existing laws related to public defense services in Washington State, establishing a new funding structure that will take effect in fiscal year 2026. Under the new provisions, funding responsibility for public defense services will be shared among the state, counties, and cities, with the state covering 50% of the costs based on a five-year average of actual expenditures from eligible counties. Additionally, the bill stipulates that counties will not be responsible for costs exceeding this average, and the state will cover all excess costs. The Washington State Office of Public Defense will disburse funds to eligible counties for costs that exceed the five-year average, and any county funds supplanted by these distributions must be redirected to specific activities such as pretrial diversion programs and behavioral health services.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new reporting requirements for counties and cities receiving funds, mandating them to document expenditures and case statistics, and to designate a public defense coordinator. It also allows counties with low population density to request the Office of Public Defense to assume responsibility for public defense services. The bill emphasizes the need for data collection and monitoring to ensure compliance with indigent defense standards, and it requires the Office of Public Defense to report findings and recommendations to the legislature by December 1, 2026. Additionally, a new section mandates the Office of the Administrator for the Courts to collect data on cases assigned to public defenders, enhancing transparency and accountability in public defense services.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 10.101.050, 10.101.060, 10.101.070