SB83 Engrossed is a bill aimed at amending the Code of Alabama 1975 to improve the indigent defense system. It proposes changes to the composition of voluntary indigent defense advisory boards, specifying that two of the attorneys should have regular practice in criminal or juvenile courts and that the board should reflect the diversity of the judicial circuit. The bill also revises the process for reviewing fee declarations and cumulative timesheets, ensuring attorneys can support their fee voucher before the board makes recommendations. Additionally, it clarifies the duties of appointed counsel, updates code language to current style, and specifies that advisory board members may receive necessary travel expenses but no compensation.

The bill significantly increases compensation rates and caps for attorneys representing indigent defendants, with specific hourly rates and caps for different types of cases, including capital offenses, felonies, juvenile cases, traffic cases, and other cases. It extends the time for counsel to submit billing, requires prompt payment by the State Comptroller, and mandates interest on delayed payments. The bill also addresses excessive billing, the appointment of counsel for appeals, and clarifies language and procedures for billing and payment. It ensures reimbursement for indigent health care services at rates comparable to Medicare and sets the effective date for these changes as October 1, 2024.