FL S1508

Eliminates provisions allowing chief judges to establish "limited registries" of attorneys willing to accept only flat fees for court-appointed representation.

Removes the requirement that attorneys certify their willingness to accept flat fees as full payment (except for RICO and capital cases) to be included on court appointment registries.

Increases statutory flat fee caps for court-appointed private counsel: life felonies from $3,000 to $9,000, capital cases from $15,000 to $25,000, and appellate representation from $2,000 to $9,000.

Eliminates the requirement that circuits using limited registries report demographic information (race, gender, national origin) of listed and appointed attorneys.

Effective date: July 1, 2013.