This bill proposes significant amendments to the West Virginia Code aimed at improving the compensation and support for legal counsel and professionals involved in appointed cases within the Public Defender Services system. Key provisions include raising the minimum compensation rate for panel attorneys to at least $100 per hour, with similar increases for paralegals and assistant guardians ad litem. The maximum compensation for out-of-court and in-court work is increased from $4,500 to $6,000 for most cases, with allowances for higher amounts in specific situations. Additionally, the bill mandates the annual publication of compensation rates by the West Virginia Public Defender Services and introduces new reporting requirements to enhance transparency and accountability.

Moreover, the bill establishes new definitions and provisions related to child abuse and neglect proceedings, including the roles and responsibilities of assistant guardians ad litem and guardians ad litem. It emphasizes the right to counsel for children and their parents or custodians, ensuring adequate representation throughout the legal process. The bill also outlines procedural safeguards for hearings, prioritizes timely hearings, and clarifies circumstances under which reasonable efforts to preserve the family are not required. Overall, the bill aims to strengthen the legal framework surrounding child welfare cases, ensuring that the rights of all parties are protected while prioritizing the best interests of the child.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 29-21-13a, 49-1-201, 49-4-405, 49-4-601, 49-4-602, 49-4-604, 49-4-608, 49-4-610