Relating to the reimbursement of expenses to certain counsel appointed to represent a defendant in a criminal proceeding.

HB 3449 amends Texas law to require reimbursement for reasonable expenses incurred by appointed defense attorneys in noncapital criminal cases (excluding public defender office staff). It covers costs like investigations, expert fees, and travel/lodging for attorneys traveling over 50 miles to meet defendants confidentially, plus remote communication costs. Expenses approved by the court will follow capital case reimbursement rules (Articles 26.052(f)-(g)), while unapproved expenses use capital case rules under Article 26.052(h). The bill takes effect September 1, 2025, applying only to expenses incurred after that date.