2SSB 5046 — Concerning postconviction access to counsel.

What this bill does

Authorizes the Office of Public Defense (OPD) to provide access to counsel for indigent persons to file and prosecute a first, timely personal restraint petition and requires the OPD to establish eligibility criteria to prioritize access to counsel for youth and certain adult petitioners. Authorizes the OPD to appoint counsel if the Legislature or a final decision of an appellate court creates an ability to petition the sentencing court or to challenge a conviction or sentence. Requires the OPD to examine and evaluate barriers to providing postconviction counsel to file and prosecute a collateral attack and report findings and recommendations to the Legislature.

From the Washington State Legislature's nonpartisan staff bill analysis. Read the full analysis ↗

Floor votes

• House — 3rd Reading & Final Passage · April 10, 2023
  58 yea · 40 nay
• Senate — 3rd Reading & Final Passage · March 3, 2023
  30 yea · 19 nay

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Other bills sponsored by Saldaña

• SSB 5047 — Enhancing the Washington voting rights act.
• E2SSB 5080 — Expanding and improving the social equity in cannabis program.
• SSB 5101 — Concerning extraordinary medical placement for incarcerated individuals at the department of corrections.
• SSB 5238 — Expanding collective bargaining for employees who are enrolled in academic programs at public institutions of higher education.
• SSB 5256 — Making permanent and expanding the child welfare housing assistance program.