RFQ - Unified Court System Task Force Member Lived

STATE OF WASHINGTON OFFICE OF PUBLIC DEFENSE

711 South Capitol Way, Suite 301, Olympia, Washington

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS – RFQ
26017

SUBMISSION DUE DATE: 5:00 PM on June 29, 2026

The Washington State Office of Public Defense (OPD) is recruiting a task force member with lived experience as someone who is formerly incarcerated for the new Unified Court System Task Force (hereinafter, the “Task Force”). This is an exciting opportunity for someone who was previously incarcerated to help evaluate how courts are functioning and make recommendations for improvement. This position will provide a crucial voice amidst many system stakeholders to provide real world perspective on how courts serve impacted communities and how they can improve services.

The Washington Legislature created the Task Force during the 2026 Legislative Session through SHB 1909 to explore the possibility of moving from a court system administered primarily by individual counties and cities across the state to a more unified statewide system.

The court unification task force is established to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the current Washington state court system, including the review of the inefficiencies and inequities resulting from disparate local court rules, technology adoption, and funding levels, and identify areas where a more unified or centralized approach to court operations may improve efficiency and uniformity in the delivery of court and judicial services, as well as consistency in outcomes and ease of access for those who use the court system, including victims, defendants, litigants, and counsel.

The Task Force will be made up of members from the Legislature, representatives of cities and counties, members of the judiciary and other key stakeholders. The Legislature tasked the Washington State Office of Public Defense with appointing a task force member who was formerly incarcerated.

Responsibilities of this position will depend upon the call of the Task Force. Generally, applicants should expect to:

• Attend meetings at least two times a year (some in person and some held remotely);
• Participate actively by providing feedback and opinions in those meetings through the lens of a formerly incarcerated person with experience with court systems;
• Join a subcommittee and participate in its meetings;
• Provide input based on your experience with the court system, jail and prison systems, and speak on behalf of communities who have similar experiences.

The Task Force will begin its work by October 1, 2026, and complete its work by December 31, 2029.

• Formerly incarcerated;
• Experience or interest in the court system and its impact on communities;
• Ability to attend meetings in person and online;
• Ability to establish a Statewide Vendor Number to receive reimbursement payments (OPD staff will guide you through this process).

The Task Force member will be compensated pursuant to RCW 43.03.220. The successful applicant will be eligible for:

• $200 stipend per meeting attended;
• Reimbursement for reasonable child and adult care costs required to attend meetings;
• Reimbursement for lodging at the rate set by the WA Office of Financial Management;
• Reimbursement for mileage for travel to in-person meetings at the current rate set by WA Office of Financial Management.

All reimbursement is subject to the provisions of RCW 43.03.050 and RCW 43.03.060. The Task Force member will not be an employee or contractor of OPD.

To apply, email a one- to two-page letter of interest identifying your qualifications and interest in service in this position and a résumé. Email materials to:
Sarah Lawson c/o pdip.gov by 5:00 PM on June 29, 2026.

The Washington State Office of Public Defense vigorously pursues diversity in the work force. Women, racial and ethnic minorities, persons over 40 years of age, persons of disability, and veterans are encouraged to apply.