SB 538
Increasing compensation for panel attorneys
Take action
Record your position on this measure.
Sign in to record your position, submit testimony, or contact your legislator.
Sign in to take action- Introduced
- Passed Senate
- Passed House of Delegates
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill aims to increase the compensation received by attorneys working as panel attorneys for the West Virginia Public Defender Services. It requires these attorneys to maintain detailed records of their time and expenses, submit vouchers for reimbursement, and establishes guidelines for the review and payment of those vouchers. Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Public Defender Services provide an annual report to several state agencies summarizing the legal services provided by these panel attorneys, including details about case durations, in-person visits, and billing hours.
Key provisions
- Requires panel attorneys to maintain detailed records of time and expenses.
- Establishes a voucher submission process for reimbursement of services.
- Outlines a review process by Public Defender Services to determine the reasonableness of claims.
- Sets deadlines for voucher submission and payment.
- Provides a mechanism for attorneys to challenge voucher rejections through court review.
- Specifies hourly compensation rates for in-court and out-of-court work, with maximum reimbursement amounts.
- Requires annual reporting to the Legislative Oversight Commission, Foster Care Ombudsman, and West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals regarding panel attorney services.
- Addresses expungement services and associated compensation limits.
Who is affected
- West Virginia Public Defender Services
- Panel Attorneys
- Eligible Clients
- Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources Accountability
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
No arguments in favor have been submitted.
Submit yoursArguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
No arguments opposed have been submitted.
Submit yours