HB 2163 — Public defense caseloads

Summary

Clarifying public defense caseload standards for local jurisdictions.

Bill Text

Compared against the Revised Code of Washington as published AI-generated reading aid — verify against the official bill.

This bill amends 1 section(s) of the Revised Code of Washington: RCW 10.101.030.

• RCW 10.101.030

  The standards endorsed by the Washington state bar association for the provision of public defense services should serve as guidelines to local legislative authorities in adopting standards → read as follows: Each county or city under this chapter shall adopt standards for the delivery of public defense services, whether those services are provided by contract, assigned counsel, or a public defender office. Standards shall include the following: Compensation of counsel, duties and responsibilities of counsel, case load limits and types of cases, responsibility for expert witness fees and other costs associated with representation, administrative expenses, support services, reports of attorney activity and vouchers, training, supervision, monitoring and evaluation of attorneys, substitution of attorneys or assignment of contracts, limitations on private practice of contract attorneys, qualifications of attorneys, disposition of client complaints, cause for termination of contract or removal of attorney, and nondiscrimination. ⟦INS⟧If practicable, standards adopted by the local legislative authorities shall comply with Washington state court rules for public defense services and may incorporate provisions of standards endorsed by the Washington state bar association that do not conflict with court rules --- END ---

  amended

Action History

1. January 12, 2026

   First reading, referred to Civil Rights & Judiciary.

Sponsors

• (Richards) · Primary

Subjects