The bill amends RCW 10.101.030 to clarify the standards for public defense services that local jurisdictions must adopt. It mandates that each county or city establish standards for the delivery of these services, which can be provided through contracts, assigned counsel, or public defender offices. The standards must cover various aspects, including compensation, case load limits, responsibilities of counsel, and administrative expenses, among others.

A significant change in the bill is the deletion of the previous requirement that local legislative authorities should use the standards endorsed by the Washington State Bar Association as guidelines. Instead, the new language emphasizes that if practicable, the standards adopted by local authorities should comply with Washington state court rules for public defense services and may incorporate provisions from the Washington State Bar Association's standards, provided they do not conflict with court rules. This shift aims to ensure that local jurisdictions have more flexibility while still adhering to established legal frameworks.

Statutes affected:
Original bill: 10.101.030