H.B. No. 1445 amends Article 26.05(c) of the Code of Criminal Procedure to enhance the process for compensating counsel appointed to represent indigent individuals in criminal and juvenile proceedings. The bill introduces new provisions that require the fee schedule to include reasonable fixed rates or minimum and maximum hourly rates, while also considering overhead costs and the availability of qualified attorneys. It mandates that payments will only be made after the appointed counsel submits an itemization of services performed to the presiding judge or the director of a managed assigned counsel program, along with the approval of the payment 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 allows attorneys whose payment requests are disapproved or not acted upon within 60 days to appeal to the presiding judge of the administrative judicial region. The presiding judge will review the case and may conduct a hearing to determine the appropriate payment amount. The bill stipulates that the amended provisions will apply only to expenses incurred on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025.