SB5914 amends public defense services in Washington by setting standards and funding distribution.

SB5914 revises public defense services in Washington by requiring counties and cities to meet specific standards to receive state funds. These standards include adopting a legal representation plan, ensuring attorneys attend annual training, and reporting expenditures and caseloads. The bill also mandates that attorneys handling serious cases meet specific qualifications. The Office of Public Defense will monitor compliance and can terminate funding for non-compliance. The bill sets a funding distribution formula prioritizing counties with larger backlogs and more vacancies.

SB5914 amends public defense services in Washington by setting standards and funding distribution.

SB5914 revises public defense services in Washington by requiring counties and cities to meet specific standards to receive state funds. These standards include adopting a legal representation plan, ensuring attorneys attend annual training, and reporting expenditures and caseloads. The bill also mandates that attorneys handling serious cases meet specific qualifications. The Office of Public Defense will monitor compliance and can terminate funding for non-compliance. The bill sets a funding distribution formula prioritizing counties with larger backlogs and more vacancies.