The bill, H.B. No. 1445, aims to amend Article 26.05(c) of the Code of Criminal Procedure concerning the compensation of counsel appointed to represent indigent individuals in criminal and juvenile proceedings. Key changes include the requirement for a fee schedule to specify reasonable fixed rates or minimum and maximum hourly rates, while also considering overhead costs and the availability of qualified attorneys. The bill introduces new provisions that stipulate payments will only be made after the appointed counsel submits an itemized form of services to the presiding judge or the director of a managed assigned counsel program, and that payment must be approved by the judge or the director's designee. If a payment request is disapproved, the judge or director must provide written findings explaining the approved amount and reasons for any discrepancies.

Additionally, the bill establishes a process for attorneys to appeal disapproved payment requests or inaction within 60 days by filing a motion with the presiding judge of the administrative judicial region, who will then review the case and may conduct a hearing. The bill mandates that the commissioners court must pay the approved amount within 45 days of the application for payment. The provisions of this bill will apply only to expenses incurred by attorneys on or after its effective date, which is set for September 1, 2025.