WA SB5453

Office of Public Defense must establish a training program for public defense mitigation specialists and paralegals new to public defense, covering applicable standards, client communication, ethics, and networking opportunities

Training program recruitment must include outreach to justice-impacted and formerly incarcerated persons, with at least one class each for paralegals and mitigation specialists offered by June 30, 2027

Office of Public Defense must create a pool of at least 10 full-time paralegals by June 30, 2027 to provide as-needed support to contracted counsel

Paralegal pool support prioritizes solo practitioners, very small private law firms, and attorneys providing postconviction representation

Act takes effect July 1, 2026, with all programs subject to appropriated funding