OLYMPIA—Sen. Nikki Torres (R-Pasco) and Rep. Adison Richards (D-Gig Harbor) announced a wide-ranging package of bills aimed at stabilizing and strengthening the state’s strained public defense system. The proposal comes as Washington’s legal system faces mounting operational pressures, with updated caseload standards increasing demands across the board for public defenders and prosecutors alike.
“When I was elected in 2023, this was already a growing concern, and the conversations haven’t stopped since,” said Torres. “Washington’s public defense system has been pushed to the breaking point. This is not a partisan issue; it’s about safeguarding the constitutional rights of every Washingtonian and ensuring that victims have their voices heard. These reforms are the first step toward providing immediate support to our criminal justice system and building a structurally sound foundation for future improvements.”
Earlier this year, the state Supreme Court and the Washington State Bar Association announced new caseload standards for public defenders.
“Public defense caseload standards present us with an immense public safety and constitutional challenge,” Richards said. “The standards are not simply a funding problem; they are a workforce problem. Our state does not currently have enough lawyers to meet these requirements and ensure defendants receive constitutionally required representation, which delays cases and weakens accountability.”
Building on this bipartisan, cross-branch commitment, Torres and Richards developed a slate of bills that confront the challenges facing Washington’s criminal justice system:
- Senate Bill 5913/House Bill 2163: Clarifies that counties and cities must adopt public defense standards that align, where practicable, with Washington State court rules rather than relying solely on Washington State Bar Association guidelines. The bill reinforces consistent, court rule-based caseload standards and oversight requirements for public defense services across local jurisdictions.
- Senate Bill 5914: This bill strengthens Washington’s public defense system by improving training, reporting, and compliance standards for counties and cities. It also begins a phased shift in responsibility by requiring the state to cover up to 30% of local public defense costs by 2031, ensuring more stable and equitable access to constitutionally required services.
- House Bill 2162: This bill creates the Public Interest Law Program, offering annual student loan payoff grants of up to $10,000 to prosecutors, public defenders, and other public service attorneys who commit to at least one year of service. It is funded through voluntary law firm contributions, supported by a B&O tax credit of up to $20,000 per year, helping recruit and retain lawyers in critical public roles.
- Senate Bill 5912: This bill reinstates the state’s Indigent Defense Task Force to conduct a comprehensive review of how trial-level public defense services are delivered across the state, including caseloads, staffing impacts, and regional service models. The task force will issue recommendations for improving the system by January 1, 2028.
- House Joint Measure 4008: This joint memorial urges Washington’s legal institutions, law schools, and justice system partners to work together to expand and promote legal education and practice-opportunity programs that prepare students for careers in prosecution, public defense, and rural legal practice. It calls for coordinated efforts to increase awareness, support internships, and provide hands-on training opportunities that strengthen the state’s legal workforce.
“These bills reflect months of collaboration with prosecutors, defenders, city and county leaders,” Torres said. “We heard the same message everywhere: the system is at a tipping point. This bipartisan effort is about giving counties the tools they need to meet their constitutional obligations and keep the justice system functioning.”
Richards, a practicing attorney, said the bills reflect essential constitutional rights and safeguards to our criminal justice system.
“Every Washingtonian deserves equal access to justice,” Richards said. “A healthy public defense system protects victims, supports law enforcement, and keeps our courts moving. These reforms are essential for public safety, for fairness, and to protect the rights of all the people of the great state of Washington.”
The 2026 legislative session begins on Jan. 12.
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