WDA’s legislative advocacy program is coordinated with the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (WACDL). We share lobbyists Tony Sermonti and Adan Espino, and staff oversee various issues and advocacy efforts under the guidance of our joint Legislative Committee.
2023 Legislative Session
The 2023 Legislative Session is a long 105 day session that began on January 19 and will end on April 23, 2023. The session is being conducted in person, however there are limited opportunities to testify remotely.
This session our top priorities are to support the State Office of Public Defense’s budget request, Blake drug possession reforms, sentencing reform, and the creation of an independent prosecutor’s office to handle law enforcement use of deadly force.
We rely upon volunteers to review bills, held develop position papers, and to testify. Please contact Christie Hedman if you have any questions or would like to become involved in our legislative work.
Bills Still Alive April 13 2023
Bills Presumed Dead April 13, 2023
Comment: State must bolster poorly funded public defense system
October 2022 DefenseNET Magazine with legislative bill overview
Position Papers
WACDL WDA 2SSB 5046 Post Conviction Access to Counsel Letter of Support
Opposition to SB 5440, jail-based restoration
Banning Isolation and Restraint in Schools Summary
SB 5032 Felony DUI 15 year lookback
SB 5002: Alcohol concentration
Request for Increased State Support for Immigration and Naturalization Assistance
HB 1579 Independent Prosecutor
SB 5635: Concerning Victims’ Rights
SB 5046 Sign On Letter Senate Ways and Means
Charging Attorneys for Requesting A Copy Of Body Camera Video for Clients (HB 1080)
SB 5453: Concerning female genital mutilation
SB 5588 Position Statement WDA WACDL
HB 1715 Comprehensive Protections for Victims of DV Handout
SB 5032: Felony DUI for Three Priors in Fifteen Years and DOSA for Felony DUI
SHB 1715 Comp Protections for Victims of DV Handout-Shortened
ESSB 5576 – Concerning sexual assault procedures
SB 5032 Felony DUI 15 year lookback
SSB 5415 Public Defense for Insanity Cases
Letter in Support of DOC Resentencing Team
Amicus Work
WDA appears on behalf of indigent persons, public defenders and other criminal defense attorneys on issues relating to due process, access to justice, criminal defense and the rights of indigent persons. If you are handling a matter at the appellate level that you would like WDA to provide amicus briefing on, or to sign on to your amicus, please visit our Amicus Advocacy page.