SB 145
Relating to compensation for panel attorneys
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Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill aims to increase compensation for attorneys appointed to represent indigent individuals in criminal, juvenile, and abuse/neglect cases, as well as guardians ad litem. It establishes procedures for submitting and processing invoices from these attorneys, including electronic acknowledgment and a review process by Public Defender Services. The bill also mandates that Public Defender Services annually report on the legal services provided by guardians ad litem, focusing on case duration, in-person visits, and time spent on various tasks.
Key provisions
- Increases compensation paid by Public Defender Services for panel attorneys.
- Requires Public Defender Services to annually provide a report summarizing legal services provided by guardians ad litem.
- Establishes a process for attorneys to submit vouchers for services rendered, with a 90-day deadline for payment.
- Outlines a dispute resolution process involving the appointing court if vouchers are rejected.
- Specifies hourly rates for out-of-court and in-court work performed by panel attorneys.
- Sets maximum compensation limits for certain cases, including felonies and expungements.
- Details reimbursement guidelines for expenses such as transcripts and investigative services.
- Requires annual reporting to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources, the Foster Care Ombudsman, and the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals.
Who is affected
- Public Defender Services
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