WV HB4604

Increases minimum compensation for panel attorneys from $60-80/hour to at least $100/hour for all legal services, with rates published annually by Public Defender Services by June 15

Creates new "assistant guardian ad litem" position to assist guardians ad litem in abuse and neglect cases, compensated at minimum $40/hour, who reports on the child's placement and living conditions

Requires Public Defender Services to submit annual reports starting December 1, 2026 to legislative oversight bodies detailing guardian ad litem performance metrics including case loads, meeting attendance, client visits, and billing hours

Mandates courts issue initial orders in abuse/neglect cases certifying that appointed counsel meet educational requirements and outlining guardian ad litem duties and responsibilities

Adds assistant guardians ad litem and parent resource navigators to the multidisciplinary treatment team membership for child abuse and neglect cases