HB275 Summary

• Reduces the number of attorney members on voluntary indigent defense advisory boards from three to one, while maintaining the presiding circuit judge as chair and the local circuit bar association president as members.

• Increases hourly compensation rates for appointed counsel: Class A felonies from $100 to $100 per hour with fee caps raised from $4,000 to $6,000; Class B felonies capped at $4,000 instead of $3,000; Class C/D felonies capped at $3,500 instead of $2,000; juvenile cases capped at $4,500 instead of $2,500; and appeal cases at $85 per hour with a $5,000 cap instead of $2,500.

• Extends the filing deadline for attorney bills from 90 to 120 days after case conclusion and changes payment deadline from 90 days after submission to 90 days after court certification.

• Requires attorneys submitting over 2,000 work hours annually to provide justification and authorizes the advisory board to recommend remedial actions including suspension of appointment, fund reimbursement, or referral to the Alabama State Bar.

• Becomes effective October 1, 2024.