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 payment approval process to involve the judge presiding over the case or, if applicable, the director or the director's designee of a managed assigned counsel program. It mandates that if a payment request is disapproved, the judge or director must provide written findings detailing the approved amount and reasons for any discrepancies from the requested payment. Additionally, attorneys have the right to appeal disapproved payment requests to the presiding judge of the administrative judicial region, who will review the case and may conduct a hearing.

The bill specifies that the amended provisions will only apply to expenses incurred by attorneys on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025. This legislative change aims to ensure a more transparent and accountable process for compensating appointed counsel, ultimately improving the representation of indigent individuals in the legal system.