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WashingtonSB 57452025-2026 Regular SessionSenateWALLET

Concerning appointed counsel for individuals detained under the involuntary treatment act.

Sponsored By: Manka Dhingra (Democratic)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.

Counties arrange lawyers for detained people

The county where a person is detained arranges appointed lawyers, directly or by contract, regardless of their home county. For people held at state facilities, counties can ask the Health Care Authority to arrange Office of Public Defense services. Beginning May 12, 2025, that office serves people unable to afford counsel who qualify under Washington’s adult commitment law. The authority must request services for a county; the office provides lawyers directly or by contract, using county funds. If the office cannot provide counsel, the authority must notify the county within 30 days of receiving notice, and the county must arrange a lawyer.

State facilities get attorney general representation

Washington’s Attorney General represents state hospitals and facilities in matters under the Involuntary Treatment Act. The office also provides legal services and advice. This role excludes cases that a state hospital or facility starts to seek 14-day detention.

Who pays for commitment case lawyers

People who can afford counsel must pay, based on superior court standards in the county handling their case. For people unable to afford counsel, the county’s behavioral health administrative services organization reimburses direct costs, except for Office of Public Defense services. When a county requests that office’s services through the Health Care Authority, the authority cuts the organization’s funding by its contracting expense. That organization can still seek reimbursement from the organization serving the person’s home county.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Manka Dhingra

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Jamie Pedersen

    Democratic • Senate

  • Jessica Bateman

    Democratic • Senate

  • John Lovick

    Democratic • Senate

  • T'wina Nobles

    Democratic • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 108 • No: 37

House vote • 4/11/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 59 • No: 37 • Other: 2

Senate vote • 3/10/2025

3rd Reading & Final Passage

Yes: 49 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Effective date 5/12/2025*.

    5/12/2025Senate

  2. Chapter 226, 2025 Laws.

    5/12/2025Senate

  3. Governor signed.

    5/12/2025legislature

  4. Delivered to Governor.

    4/22/2025legislature

  5. Speaker signed.

    4/18/2025legislature

  6. President signed.

    4/18/2025legislature

  7. Rules Committee relieved of further consideration. Placed on second reading.

    4/11/2025Senate

  8. Third reading, passed; yeas, 59; nays, 37; absent, 0; excused, 2.

    4/11/2025Senate

  9. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    4/11/2025Senate

  10. Referred to Rules 2 Review.

    4/8/2025Senate

  11. APP - Executive action taken by committee.

    4/7/2025Senate

  12. Minority; do not pass.

    4/7/2025Senate

  13. APP - Majority; do pass.

    4/7/2025Senate

  14. Referred to Appropriations.

    4/1/2025Senate

  15. Minority; without recommendation.

    3/28/2025Senate

  16. Minority; do not pass.

    3/28/2025Senate

  17. CRJ - Majority; do pass.

    3/28/2025Senate

  18. CRJ - Executive action taken by committee.

    3/28/2025Senate

  19. First reading, referred to Civil Rights & Judiciary.

    3/12/2025Senate

  20. Third reading, passed; yeas, 49; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 0.

    3/10/2025Senate

  21. Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading.

    3/10/2025Senate

  22. Floor amendment(s) adopted.

    3/10/2025Senate

  23. 2nd substitute bill substituted.

    3/10/2025Senate

  24. Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.

    3/5/2025Senate

  25. Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.

    2/28/2025Senate

Bill Text

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