HB 23-1033 Summary

• Expands the Office of Alternate Defense Counsel's authority to contract with "other persons necessary to provide legal services" beyond just licensed attorneys and investigators.

• Establishes that contracted legal services must be commensurate with those available to persons who are not indigent.

• Replaces references to "investigators" with "legal services providers" throughout the statute to broaden the types of professionals who can be contracted.

• Requires contracts to specify fixed fees established by the Office of Alternate Defense Counsel or hourly rates set by the Supreme Court, with terms negotiated between parties.

• Takes effect 90 days after final adjournment of the general assembly, unless subject to referendum petition, in which case approval by voters in the November 2024 general election is required.