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GM 1299

Informing the Legislature that on June 6, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB396 HD1 SD1 CD1 (ACT 199).

2025 Regular Session

Act 199 boosts compensation for court-appointed attorneys in Hawaii, raising fees significantly to improve legal representation for those who can't afford counsel.

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Bill Summary · GM 1299

Summary of GM 1299 - Informing the Legislature of Act 199

Bill Overview

Bill Number: GM 1299
Title: Informing the Legislature that on June 6, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: HB396 HD1 SD1 CD1 (ACT 199).
Status: Received
Introduced: June 06, 2025
Classification: Proclamation
Subject: Act 199

Purpose and Intent

GM 1299 serves as a formal notification to the Hawaii State Legislature that the Governor has signed into law House Bill 396 (HB396), which relates to the compensation for court-appointed counsel. The intent of this legislation is to amend existing statutes to increase the compensation rates for attorneys who are appointed to represent individuals in court proceedings.

Key Provisions

The bill includes several significant changes to the compensation structure for court-appointed counsel:

  1. Increased Compensation Rates:

    • The hourly rate for appointed counsel is set at $150.
    • Maximum allowable fees have been increased as follows:
      • Felony cases: From $6,000 to $12,000
      • Misdemeanor cases (jury trial): From $3,000 to $6,000
      • Misdemeanor cases (jury waived): From $1,500 to $3,000
      • Appeals: Increased to $9,000
      • Petty misdemeanor cases: Increased to $1,800
      • Other administrative or judicial proceedings: Increased to $6,000

  2. Exceeding Maximum Payments:

    • The bill allows for payments exceeding the maximum limits if the court certifies that such payments are necessary for fair compensation and are approved by the administrative judge.

  3. Appropriations:

    • The bill appropriates $2,890,000 from the general revenues of the State of Hawaii for the fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to support the increased compensation for court-appointed counsel.

  4. Effective Date:

    • The provisions of this Act will take effect on July 1, 2025.

Impact

The passage of Act 199 is expected to have a significant impact on the legal representation of individuals who cannot afford an attorney. By increasing compensation rates, the legislation aims to ensure that court-appointed lawyers are fairly compensated for their services, which may improve the quality of legal representation for defendants in Hawaii.

Procedural Aspects

  • The bill was signed into law by Governor Josh Green on June 6, 2025.
  • It was passed by both the House and Senate of the Thirty-Third State Legislature on April 30, 2025.

This summary provides a clear understanding of GM 1299 and its associated Act 199, detailing the changes in compensation for court-appointed counsel and the implications for the legal system in Hawaii.

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

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