This bill amends the Code of West Virginia to enhance the compensation for attorneys appointed to represent indigent individuals in criminal, juvenile, and abuse and neglect cases, as well as those serving as guardians ad litem. It establishes detailed procedures for the submission and processing of vouchers for services rendered, including timelines for acknowledgment and payment by Public Defender Services. The bill also outlines the compensation rates for attorneys and paralegals, specifies reimbursement limits for expenses, and mandates that vouchers be itemized and submitted within certain timeframes to ensure timely payment.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new requirement for Public Defender Services to provide an annual report starting December 1, 2026, summarizing the legal services provided by panel attorneys acting as guardians ad litem. This report will include metrics such as the average number of meetings attended, the average length of child abuse or neglect proceedings, and the average number of in-person visits with clients. Importantly, the bill ensures that no information protected by attorney-client privilege will be disclosed in these reports.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 29-21-13a