HB 2307 Summary

• Amends Arizona Revised Statutes section 13-4041 regarding compensation for court-appointed counsel in capital criminal postconviction relief proceedings.

• Changes the compensation structure to require a showing of "good cause" before trial courts can award additional fees beyond the initial hourly rate, with additional compensation available when attorneys demonstrate they spent over 200 hours on the case.

• Allows attorneys to appeal to the Arizona Supreme Court if they believe the trial court set an unreasonably low hourly rate or found their hours excessive.

• Maintains the base hourly rate of not exceeding $100 per hour for appointed counsel, with the state reimbursing counties for 50% of fees incurred.

• Authorizes trial courts to separately approve additional funds for investigative and expert services reasonably necessary to litigate non-precluded claims.