Bill > A02682

This bill modifies legal provisions related to hourly compensation for legal representation by ensuring that hourly rates for attorneys providing certain legal services will be automatically increased each year based on cost of living adjustments outlined in the United States Criminal Justice Act (CJA). Specifically, the bill amends sections of the county law and judiciary law to mandate that hourly compensation rates for attorneys shall be increased annually in line with federal pay comparability adjustments, with these increases taking effect on April 1st in the same year that cost of living adjustments are implemented for federal defenders. Additionally, the bill specifies that expenses for providing counsel under certain circumstances shall be funded by the state. The legislation is set to take effect on April 1, 2026, and allows for preparatory rule-making to occur immediately to ensure smooth implementation. This bill aims to provide more consistent and predictable compensation for legal representatives by linking their rates to established federal pay adjustment mechanisms.

Justice

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A2682