SB 5744-S - DIGEST

(DIGEST AS ENACTED)

     Directs the office of public defense to develop a proposal to address the costs of legal representation and expenses reasonably related to such representation for indigent parents, guardians, legal custodians, and children in dependency and termination hearings under chapter 13.34 RCW.  The proposal shall address the increased dependency and termination filings by the state under chapter 13.34 RCW and the effect of this increase on indigent defense costs.  The proposal shall recommend strategies to ensure that an equitable method of paying for indigent defense costs in criminal trial proceedings and in dependency and termination proceedings is established.

     Directs the office of public defense to present the proposal to the appropriate standing committees of the legislature by December 6, 1999.