WA Legislatures budget doubles public defense funds. Counties say its still not enough

Washington state lawmakers approved a budget that more than doubles funding for public defenders, yet local attorneys argue it remains insufficient for court needs. The state will contribute about 6% of public defense funding for the 2026-2027 biennium, a notable increase from previous years. Local jurisdictions provide nearly all public defense funding, leading to challenges in increasing budgets amid rising court service costs. Public defenders face recruitment and retention issues, particularly in rural areas, leaving defendants in places like Yakima County waiting weeks or even months for case resolutions. This shortage disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations, including people of color, as emphasized by Pierce County Executive Ryan Mello.

Local funding constraints, combined with stagnant state support since 2017, highlight the urgent need for systemic changes in public defense financing. The limited state funding is administered through a grant program, which has not surpassed 2% of overall public defense costs since 2017. As local governments struggle to meet rising costs, advocates stress the importance of state investment in ensuring equitable legal representation for all.