Bill > HB2163

This bill clarifies the standards for public defense services that local jurisdictions (counties and cities) must adopt. The bill modifies existing law to specify that when creating these standards, local legislative authorities should, when practicable, comply with Washington state court rules for public defense services. Additionally, they may incorporate provisions from standards endorsed by the Washington state bar association, as long as those provisions do not conflict with court rules. The standards must cover various aspects of public defense, including attorney compensation, case load limits, attorney duties and responsibilities, expert witness fees, administrative expenses, support services, attorney training and supervision, qualifications, client complaint procedures, and grounds for contract termination. Previously, the law suggested using Washington state bar association standards as guidelines, but the new language makes compliance with court rules the primary focus while allowing flexibility to incorporate bar association recommendations.

Justice

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=2163&Year=2025&Initiative=false