Bill > HB1905

This bill concerns appointed counsel for individuals detained under the Involuntary Treatment Act (ITA) and makes several key changes to existing laws. It ensures that individuals subject to involuntary mental health commitment proceedings are entitled to legal representation, with the county where the person is detained responsible for administering and providing appointed counsel. If the person is indigent, the court must appoint counsel, and the county can provide this representation directly or through a contract. The bill specifies that the county will be reimbursed for these legal services by the behavioral health administrative services organization, with reimbursement rates based on an independent assessment of actual direct costs. Additionally, the bill allows the Office of Public Defense to provide public defense services in involuntary commitment cases at a county's request, either directly or by contracting with legal professionals. The legislation also makes several technical amendments to definitions and references in existing laws related to mental health treatment and state hospitals, with some sections having contingent effective dates. The bill is deemed necessary for immediate public safety and is set to take effect immediately.

Justice

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=1905&Year=2025&Initiative=false