BILL · 2025–26 SESSION · LATEST VERSION ESSB 5912

SB 5912: Indigent defense task force

Reinstating the indigent defense task force.

Summary

Reinstates the Indigent Defense Task Force to study the current system for providing representation to persons who could not otherwise afford counsel.

From the Engrossed Substitute House Bill Report (ESSB 5912), written by the Legislature's nonpartisan staff. Read the full report ↗

Did not pass Did not pass · passed Senate, stalled in House

AN ACT Relating to reinstating the indigent defense task force;

Passed February 5, 2026

Version voted on: ESSB 5912

48 Yea 0 Nay 0 Absent 1 Excused

Party	Yea	Nay	Absent	Excused
Democrat	29	0	0	1
Republican	19	0	0	0

How each member voted

Mar 12, 2026By resolution, returned to Senate Rules Committee for third reading. (ESSB 5912)
Feb 25, 2026CRJ - Executive action taken by committee. (ESSB 5912)
Feb 25, 2026Minority; without recommendation. (ESSB 5912)
Feb 25, 2026CRJ - Majority; do pass. (ESSB 5912)
Feb 25, 2026Referred to Appropriations. (ESSB 5912)
Feb 9, 2026First reading, referred to Civil Rights & Judiciary. (ESSB 5912)
Feb 5, 2026Third reading, passed; yeas, 48; nays, 0; absent, 0; excused, 1. (ESSB 5912)
Feb 5, 2026Rules suspended. Placed on Third Reading. (ESSB 5912)
Feb 5, 2026Floor amendment(s) adopted. (ESSB 5912)
Feb 5, 20261st substitute bill substituted. (ESSB 5912)
Feb 5, 20261st substitute bill substituted.
Jan 28, 2026Placed on second reading by Rules Committee. (ESSB 5912)
Jan 28, 2026Placed on second reading by Rules Committee.
Jan 16, 2026Passed to Rules Committee for second reading. (ESSB 5912)
Jan 16, 2026Passed to Rules Committee for second reading.
Jan 15, 2026LAW - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass. (ESSB 5912)
Jan 15, 2026LAW - Majority; 1st substitute bill be substituted, do pass.
Jan 12, 2026First reading, referred to Law & Justice.
Dec 17, 2025Prefiled for introduction.

Bill numbers restart every two years, so the same number is a different bill in each session.

SB 5912 (2023–24) Reentry services & supports · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5912 (2021–22) Children on medicaid · Did not pass · passed Senate, stalled in House
SB 5912 (2019–20) Health care work violence · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5912 (2017–18) Tomosynthesis/mammography · Enacted · Chapter 115, Laws of 2018
SB 5912 (2015–16) State contracting & bonding · Did not pass · died in committee
SB 5912 (2013–14) Driving under the influence · Enacted · Chapter 35, Laws of 2013, 2nd Special Session
SB 5912 (2011–12) Family planning services · Enacted · Chapter 41, Laws of 2011, 1st Special Session
SB 5912 (2009–10) Supreme court campaigns · Did not pass · stalled on the Senate floor