Concerning public defense services.

 S-3618.1

SENATE BILL 5914

State of Washington

69th Legislature

2026 Regular Session

By Senators Torres, Trudeau, Bateman, Dozier, and Nobles

Prefiled 12/17/25. Read first time 01/12/26. Referred to Committee on Law & Justice.

AN ACT Relating to public defense services; amending RCW 10.101.050 and 10.101.060 ; and adding a new section to chapter 10.101 RCW.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1. RCW 10.101.050 and 2005 c 157 s 3 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) The Washington state office of public defense shall disburse appropriated funds to counties and cities for the purpose of improving the quality of public defense services. (( Counties may apply for up to their pro rata share as set forth in RCW 10.101.060 provided that counties conform to application procedures established by the office of public defense and improve the quality of services for both juveniles and adults. Cities may apply for moneys pursuant to the grant program set forth in RCW 10.101.080 . ))