Bill
Bill > HB5443
summary
Introduced
02/11/2026
02/11/2026
In Committee
02/11/2026
02/11/2026
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
Introduced Session
2026 Regular Session
Bill Summary
The purpose of this bill is to increase compensation of all panel attorneys and guardians ad litem. The bill also creates an assistant guardian ad litem position and specifies required language in certain juvenile abuse and neglect case orders.
AI Summary
This bill aims to increase the compensation for panel attorneys and guardians ad litem, who are legal professionals appointed to represent clients in court, particularly in cases involving children. It also establishes a new role called an "assistant guardian ad litem" to support guardians ad litem in juvenile abuse and neglect cases, and mandates specific language in court orders for these cases. The bill revises the hourly rates for panel attorneys, setting a minimum of $100 per hour for legal services, and also specifies minimum rates for paralegal and assistant guardian ad litem services. Additionally, it adjusts the maximum compensation for attorneys and expenses in certain cases and introduces new reporting requirements for guardians ad litem and assistant guardians ad litem in child abuse and neglect cases, which will be compiled and shared with legislative and judicial bodies.
Committee Categories
Budget and Finance
Sponsors (1)
Last Action
To House Finance (on 02/11/2026)
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=5443&year=2026&sessiontype=RS&btype=bill |
| Fiscal Note - Public Defender Services | http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Fiscalnotes/FN(2)/fnsubmit_recordview1.cfm?RecordID=955635336 |
| BillText | http://www.wvlegislature.gov/Bill_Status/bills_text.cfm?billdoc=hb5443%20intr.htm&yr=2026&sesstype=RS&i=5443 |
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