summary
Introduced
01/21/2026
01/21/2026
In Committee
01/21/2026
01/21/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
The purpose of this bill is to increase compensation for panel attorneys of the Public Defender Services; and requiring Public Defender Services to annually provide a report to certain state agencies summarizing legal services that are being provided by the submission of a voucher by panel attorneys serving as guardians ad litem in state courts.
AI Summary
This bill increases the hourly compensation rate for panel attorneys who represent clients through the Public Defender Services, setting a minimum of $100 per hour for all legal services, court appearances, and travel, and also establishes a minimum hourly rate of $20 for paralegal services. Additionally, it mandates that beginning December 1, 2026, Public Defender Services must annually report to specific state agencies, including the Legislative Oversight Commission on Health and Human Resources and the West Virginia Supreme Court of Appeals, a summary of legal services provided by panel attorneys acting as guardians ad litem (guardians appointed by the court to represent the best interests of a child in legal proceedings), detailing metrics such as average case duration, attorney workload, client interactions, and billed hours.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (9)
Adam Burkhammer (R)*,
Geno Chiarelli (R),
Bill Flanigan (R),
Scot Heckert (R),
Laura Kimble (R),
Margitta Mazzocchi (R),
George Miller (R),
Jonathan Pinson (R),
Kayla Young (D),
Last Action
To House Judiciary (on 01/21/2026)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/Bills_history.cfm?input=4664&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill |
| Fiscal Note - Public Defender Services | http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Fiscalnotes/FN(2)/fnsubmit_recordview1.cfm?RecordID=954681645 |
| BillText | http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/bills_text.cfm?billdoc=hb4664%20intr.htm&yr=2026&sesstype=RS&i=4664 |
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