Relating to compensation for panel attorneys

HB 4785 updates payment rules for attorneys appointed to represent indigent clients through West Virginia's Public Defender Services. It requires these panel attorneys to track work time in tenths of hours and submit vouchers for payment, with Public Defender Services processing approved claims within 45 business days. The bill also mandates annual reports from Public Defender Services to oversight bodies (including the Legislative Oversight Commission and Supreme Court) on panel attorneys' services. Disputes over rejected or reduced payments follow a clear process: attorneys can appeal to the appointing court within 15 business days for final resolution.