This bill aims to amend the Code of West Virginia to increase compensation for panel attorneys working with the Public Defender Services. Specifically, it raises the hourly compensation rate for legal services performed by panel attorneys from $60 to $70 for out-of-court work and from $80 to $90 for in-court work, with a new minimum compensation rate of $100 per hour for all legal services, including travel and waiting time. Additionally, it establishes a new compensation structure for paralegals and sets maximum reimbursement limits for expenses incurred during legal representation. The bill also includes provisions for the timely processing of vouchers and reimbursement claims, ensuring that attorneys are notified of any rejections or reductions in their claims.

Furthermore, the bill mandates that the Public Defender Services provide an annual report to the Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources, the Foster Care Ombudsman, and the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals. This report will summarize the legal services provided by panel attorneys serving as guardians ad litem, detailing metrics such as the average number of cases handled, the duration of child abuse or neglect proceedings, and the frequency of in-person visits with clients. This reporting requirement is intended to enhance transparency and accountability in the legal services provided to vulnerable populations in the state.

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