WA HB2162

Creates a public interest law grant program providing up to $10,000 annually to prosecutors and public defenders who complete at least one year of public service, to help pay off student loans

Establishes a business and occupation tax credit for law firms that contribute to the program account, equal to the contribution amount up to $20,000 per calendar year

Responds to Washington State Supreme Court Order 25700-A-1644 requiring new caseload standards (maximum 47 felony cases or 120 misdemeanor cases per full-time public defender) to be met by January 1, 2036

Program administered by the council, with development beginning by December 31, 2026 and first grants issued by July 1, 2027

Both the grant program and tax credit expire December 31, 2038, with extension contingent on program participation growth and annual grants exceeding $100,000 average