NY S05272

Establishes a two-tiered hourly rate system for assigned counsel: $158/hour for misdemeanor or lesser offense cases, and $164/hour for felony and all other cases including appeals

Requires annual adjustments to hourly rates beginning April 1, 2027, with felony/appellate rates tied to federal district court assigned counsel rates for non-capital cases, and misdemeanor rates set at 80% of that calculation

Maintains the $10,000 maximum compensation cap per case but requires annual adjustments beginning April 1, 2026, with caps tied to federal district court compensation maximums

Applies the same rate adjustment formula to counsel assigned under the judiciary law for representation in hearings and appellate courts

Takes effect April 1, 2026