Washington State’s budget operates on a biennium, or two-year funding cycle. A biennium begins on July 1 of each odd-numbered year and ends on June 30 of the next odd-numbered year.
The process for developing and enacting a budget is iterative. OPD makes its budget request directly to the Legislature. The House and Senate each develop a budget proposal which the two chambers reconcile into one, legislative budget and deliver to the Governor. The Governor reviews, vetoes or partially vetoes and signs the budget into law.
Off year budgets, or “supplemental budgets”, provide opportunities to address emergencies, respond to changes in the economy, manage caseloads or make technical adjustments.
All Judicial Branch budget requests are available at Washington State Courts.
2026 Supplemental Budget
OPD’s 2026 Supplemental Budget request makes technical adjustments, implements Washington State Supreme Court Orders, maintains right-to-counsel services, and provides counsel for persons eligible to be resentenced under new case law.