Legislative Update: Impact of New Budget on WSBA Priorities

Washington Capitol

Late on June 30, the legislature avoided a partial government shutdown by passing, and Gov. Inslee signing, an operating budget. The budget appropriates $43.7 billion over the next biennium.


In relation to WSBA’s legislative priorities and interests:

Civil Legal Aid: The budget appropriates $32.808 million to the Office of Civil Legal Aid (OCLA) during FY18-FY19. This provides OCLA with a $5.817 million increase in appropriations from the previous (FY16-FY17) biennium. $3.675 million of the $32.808 million is provided solely for OCLA to partially implement the Civil Justice Reinvestment Plan.

Public Defense: The budget appropriates $87.807 million to the Office of Public Defense (OPD) during FY18-FY19. This provides OPD with a $9.699 million increase in appropriations from the previous (FY16-FY17) biennium.

A capital budget has yet to be passed as the third special legislative session continues. The third special session is scheduled to conclude on July 20, 2017.