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HB 623

Indigent counsel; increase compensation for.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Kevin Horan

Mississippi increases court-appointed defense attorney compensation rates to improve legal representation quality for indigent criminal defendants and encourage experienced attorney participation.

Approved by Governor
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Bill Summary · HB 623

Legislative bill overview

HB 623 increases compensation rates paid to court-appointed defense attorneys who represent indigent defendants in Mississippi. The bill adjusts the fee structure that has historically lagged behind inflation and market rates for private legal services. This measure became law after Governor approval on March 18, 2025.

Why is this important

Indigent defense compensation directly affects the quality of legal representation available to defendants who cannot afford private counsel—a constitutional right under the Sixth Amendment. Inadequate compensation can discourage experienced attorneys from taking court-appointed cases, potentially resulting in less effective representation for low-income defendants and slower case resolution. Higher compensation may improve case outcomes, attorney participation rates, and overall criminal justice system efficiency.

Potential points of contention

  • Fiscal impact: Increased defense attorney fees will raise state court costs and require budget allocation decisions elsewhere, which may concern fiscally conservative legislators
  • Adequacy debate: Disagreement exists over whether the increase is sufficient to match private sector rates or simply represents a modest adjustment that still leaves gaps
  • Implementation details: The bill's specific fee schedules and whether increases apply uniformly across case types (felonies, misdemeanors, appeals) may create equity concerns

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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