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Walla Walla County commissioners press state for more indigent defense funding

Walla Walla County Board of County Commissioners · February 17, 2026
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Summary

The board approved a letter to state legislators urging action this session to increase state funding for indigent defense, citing that counties currently shoulder about 96.78% of trial court public defense costs and that Walla Walla County spent $1.3 million on indigent defense in 2024.

Vice Chair Clayton and Commissioner Fulmer approved a letter on Feb. 17 urging state lawmakers to provide substantial additional funding to counties for indigent defense services.

Clayton read the board's letter into the record, stating: "Under the current funding structure, Washington counties pay approximately 96.78% of trial court public defense services. The remaining 3.2% is state funded." The letter also notes that "2024 Walla…

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