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 necessary 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 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. The presiding judge is then tasked with reviewing the disapproval and determining the appropriate payment amount, potentially conducting a hearing in the process. The act specifies that it applies only to expenses incurred by attorneys on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025.