The bill amends Article 26.05 of the Code of Criminal Procedure to enhance the reimbursement process for expenses incurred by counsel appointed to represent defendants in noncapital criminal cases. It specifies that such counsel, excluding those from public defender's offices, will be reimbursed for reasonable and necessary expenses related to investigation, travel for confidential communication with defendants confined more than 50 miles from the court, and costs associated with remote communications. Additionally, it introduces a new subsection (d-1) that outlines the reimbursement process for expenses incurred with or without prior court approval, aligning it with the procedures established for capital cases.

The changes made by this bill will only apply to expenses incurred on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025. This legislative update aims to ensure that appointed counsel can adequately cover necessary expenses while representing defendants, thereby improving the overall legal representation in criminal proceedings.