WA SB5745

Counties where a person is detained must administer appointed counsel for involuntary treatment cases, with the option to request the Health Care Authority contract with the Office of Public Defense for representation at state facilities

The Office of Public Defense is authorized to provide public defense services for indigent persons in involuntary commitment cases under chapter 71.05 RCW, either directly or through contracted attorneys

Behavioral health administrative services organizations must reimburse counties for direct costs of judicial services (prosecutor, defense, court, and clerk services) in civil commitment cases

The bill adds the Child Study and Treatment Center at Fort Steilacoom to the statutory list of designated state hospitals alongside Western State Hospital and Eastern State Hospital

Effective May 12, 2025, with sections 2 and 7 contingent on implementation of related provisions from 2023 legislation (Laws of 2023, chapter 433)