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County staff outline 2026 legislative priorities with emphasis on public defense, PFAS and emergency communications
Summary
Administration updated commissioners on a draft 2026 legislative platform that highlights public‑defense caseload funding, PFAS remediation, emergency communications funding and other items; commissioners asked to refine language and coordinate outreach before session.
County administration reviewed a draft legislative agenda for the 2026 session during the Nov. 4 briefing, asking commissioners to refine priorities and prepare for legislative outreach.
Staff said the agenda will include public‑defense caseload funding and caseload‑standard reforms, noting county public defenders have already exceeded caseload standards early in a month. Other proposed priorities include PFAS funding and mitigation, broadband support, emergency communications funding mechanisms for 911, and requests related to flood control and housing projects.
Commissioners and staff discussed the mechanics of 911 excise tax collections and whether definitions of taxed lines should be updated to include devices and telephone‑service models that are not currently captured. They also discussed PFAS funding as a high priority because the county has been designated a PFAS‑impacted area and state grant timelines add urgency.
Staff said they would circulate updated language, coordinate with regional partners such as WOSAC and city colleagues, and begin scheduling legislative meetings and committee‑day coordination in December. Commissioners also discussed adding public defense and victim‑advocate funding to the list of top priorities for state advocacy.
No formal action was taken; staff will revise the draft agenda and return it for final approval as the legislative session approaches.
