This bill amends and reenacts section 64-2-1 of the Code of West Virginia, 1931, to authorize the Public Defender Services to create a legislative rule concerning the payment of fees and reimbursement of expenses for court-appointed attorneys. The specific legislative rule referenced was filed in the State Register on August 19, 2024, and is authorized under the existing authority of section 29-21-5 of the code.

The primary purpose of this bill is to formalize the process by which the Public Defender Services can establish guidelines for compensating court-appointed attorneys, ensuring that there is a clear framework for financial reimbursement in these cases. The bill does not include any deletions from current law, indicating that it is a new provision aimed at enhancing the operational capabilities of the Public Defender Services.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 64-2-1