WA SB5912

Reinstates the indigent defense task force originally created in 1988-1989 to study Washington's system for providing legal representation to those who cannot afford counsel

Task force membership includes 14 members appointed by the governor, Office of Financial Management, Office of Public Defense, state supreme court chief justice, Washington State Bar Association, county and city associations, prosecuting attorneys association, and legislative leadership from both chambers

Report due to the governor, supreme court, and legislature by January 1, 2028 covering current indigent defense methods, costs, caseloads, staffing-related delays, workload standards, rural workforce recruitment needs, and alternative delivery systems

Office of Public Defense provides staff support and convenes the first meeting; legislative members select cochairs from among themselves

Task force expires June 30, 2029 and may contract with technical experts only if specific appropriations are provided