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Committee hears plan to reinstate indigent defense task force to study statewide public-defense needs

Civil Rights and Judiciary Committee · February 20, 2026
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Summary

SB 5,912 would reinstate an indigent defense task force to examine Washington’s public-defense delivery, statewide caseloads and funding needs, with a report due Jan. 1, 2028; counties and the Office of Public Defense urged study to inform future budget and structural decisions.

Engrossed Substitute Senate Bill 5,912 would reinstate a statewide indigent defense task force charged with examining systems of legal representation for people who cannot afford counsel and delivering a report to the governor, Supreme Court and relevant legislative committees by Jan. 1, 2028.

Committee staff summarized the bill’s membership requirements, the Office of Public Defense’s duty…

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