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Minutes for HB2363 - Committee on Judiciary
Short Title
Authorizing the appointed counsel rate paid by the board of indigents' defense services to be higher than $80 per hour.
Minutes Content for Mon, Feb 15, 2021
Chairperson Patton opened the hearing on HB2363. Natalie Scott provided an overview of HB2363. (Attachment 20) There were no questions.
Proponent
Heather Cessna testified in support of HB2363. (Attachment 21) Ms. Cessna referenced the written testimony submitted by Kansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and how it breaks down all the associated costs with providing services. Board of Indigent Defense Service’s (BIDS) current $80 per hour statutory rate under K.S.A. 22-4507(c) was set fifteen (15) years ago. A recent KBA study determined that the average hourly market rate in Kansas for legal services is around $225 per hour. This means that at $80 per hour, BIDS’ assigned counsel rate is roughly 64% below the going market value of private legal services in Kansas. She stated this bill gives BIDS the long needed authority to make future adjustments to our assigned counsel rate to address the ongoing needs of our Board and the needs of our assigned counsel panels. Ms. Cessna stood for questions.
Written Proponent
- Kate Zigtema on behalf of Kansas Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (Attachment 22)
- Joe Molina, Kansas Bar Association (Attachment 23)
Individuals participating in tomorrow's hearing are suggested to utilize WEBEX.
Chairperson Patton adjourned the meeting at 4:55 p.m.
