AL HB244

Amends Section 15-12-21 of the Alabama Code to increase compensation for attorneys appointed as guardians ad litem in juvenile cases, computed at $70 per hour for time reasonably expended.

Establishes fee caps for appointed counsel based on offense severity: no limit for capital offenses or life without parole; $4,000 for Class A felonies; $3,000 for Class B felonies; $2,000 for Class C or D felonies; $1,500 for all other cases.

Sets separate fee cap of $2,500 for general juvenile cases, with an exception for juvenile dependency cases capped at $5,000 ($2,500 during first 18 months, $1,000 per year thereafter), with unused fees carrying over until final disposition.

Allows counsel reimbursement for nonoverhead expenses exceeding $300 with advance court approval and requires trial court certification of bills within 90 days of case conclusion.

Establishes 6% interest accrual on unpaid bills if payment is not issued within 90 days of submission; becomes effective the first day of the third month following passage and gubernatorial approval.