S.B. No. 2009 aims to amend the Code of Criminal Procedure regarding the compensation of counsel appointed to represent indigent individuals in criminal and juvenile proceedings. The bill introduces new provisions that require each 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 specifies that payments to appointed counsel will only be made after the submission of an itemized form to the presiding judge or the director of a managed assigned counsel program, along with their approval. If a payment request is disapproved, the judge or director must provide written findings detailing 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. This judge will review the case and may conduct a hearing to determine the appropriate payment amount. The bill mandates that the commissioners court must pay the approved amount within 45 days of the application submission, in accordance with the county's fee schedule. The provisions of this act will apply only to expenses incurred by attorneys on or after its effective date of September 1, 2025.