CO SB227

Sets baseline hourly rate of $100 per hour for fiscal year 2023-24 for contract attorneys providing legal representation to state agencies, including alternate defense counsel, child representatives, and respondent parents' counsel.

Requires annual increases of no more than $5 per year until hourly rates reach at least 75% of federal Criminal Justice Act rates for indigent representation in federal court.

Allows adjustment of hourly rates in subsequent fiscal years to maintain compensation at or above 75% of applicable federal rates.

Applies compensation requirements to three separate state attorney programs: alternate defense counsel (CRS 21-2-105), office of the child's representative (CRS 13-91-105), and office of respondent parents' counsel (CRS 13-92-104).

Takes effect 90 days after final adjournment of general assembly, unless subject to referendum petition, in which case it requires voter approval at November 2024 general election.