Two bills were introduced clarifying that the Washington Supreme Court’s order to phase in new public defense standards over a decade takes precedence over other tighter deadlines.

HB 2163 and its companion legislation SB 5913 are sponsored by Rep. Adison Richards (D–Gig Harbor) and Sen. Nikki Torres (R–Pasco).

The bills address just one aspect of an AWC legislative priority for the 2026 session. Cities need help reaching compliance with the Washington Supreme Court’s June order to reduce public defender caseloads by two-thirds over the next decade.

This bill does not supply the fiscal resources or workforce solutions that cites urgently need to phase in the Court-ordered reductions. However, it does clarify that an unworkable three-year phase-in of the reduction, advocated by the Washington State Bar Association, should not interfere with the Court’s 10-year timeline.

Read our fact sheet for more information about the other items AWC is advocating for this session to improve cities’ indigent defense resources.

Dates to remember

HB 2163 is scheduled for a public hearing on Wednesday, January 14, in the House Civil Rights & Judiciary Committee at 8 am.