This bill amends several sections of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) to reform the funding structure for public defense services, starting in fiscal year 2026. It establishes a shared funding responsibility among the state, counties, and cities, with the state covering 50% of the costs based on a five-year average of actual expenditures. Eligible counties and cities will not be liable for costs exceeding this average, and the state will cover any excess costs. The bill also specifies that county funds supplanted by state funding can be used for activities such as pretrial diversion programs and administrative expenses related to public defense.

Additionally, the bill introduces new reporting requirements for counties and cities regarding public defense expenditures and case statistics, mandates the designation of a public defense coordinator in each jurisdiction, and encourages collaboration to create public defense districts. The office of public defense will monitor compliance and establish data collection criteria. New sections require the office to examine public defense caseloads and report findings to the legislature by December 1, 2026, while also mandating the collection of data on cases assigned to public defenders. The bill clarifies the process for determining the number of misdemeanor cases, streamlining the distribution of funds to ensure timely support for public defense services in cities across the state.

Statutes affected:
Original Bill: 10.101.050, 10.101.060, 10.101.070
Substitute Bill: 10.101.050, 10.101.060, 10.101.070, 10.101.080