Bill > SB5912

This bill reinstates the indigent defense task force, which is a group tasked with studying how Washington provides legal representation to people who cannot afford a lawyer, often referred to as "indigent defense." The task force will be made up of members appointed by various state officials and organizations, including the governor, the chief justice of the supreme court, the Washington State Bar Association, county and city associations, and individuals with lived experience in the indigent defense system. The task force is required to review current systems, evaluate progress towards caseload standards, identify barriers to compliance, examine case backlogs and staffing shortages, assess recruitment and retention needs, review alternative defense models, analyze funding sources, and recommend improvements to ensure that all individuals receive effective and timely legal representation. The task force will receive staff support from the office of public defense and is set to expire on June 30, 2029.

Justice

https://app.leg.wa.gov/billsummary?BillNumber=5912&Year=2025&Initiative=false