Relating to the compensation of counsel appointed to provide representation and services to indigent individuals in criminal and juvenile proceedings.

Contracts

• MACP Vendor Agreements: Review all agreements between defense firms and Managed Assigned Counsel Programs. Clauses designating the "Presiding Judge" as the final approver for payment are now statutorily obsolete and must be amended to designate the "Program Director."

Hiring/Training

• Billing Staff: Administrative staff responsible for generating fee vouchers must be retrained on the new routing protocols. Invoices sent to the Judge instead of the Director in MACP counties will likely be returned unapproved.
• Approver Designation: MACP Directors must formally designate, in writing, any staff members authorized to sign off on payments ("Designees") to satisfy County Auditor requirements.

Reporting & Record-Keeping

• Mandatory Billing Split: For cases active across the effective date, firms must generate two separate invoices:
• 1. Expenses incurred *prior* to June 20, 2025 (Submit to Judge).
• 2. Expenses incurred *on or after* June 20, 2025 (Submit to MACP Director).

*Commingling these expenses will likely cause rejection by the County Auditor.*

• Denial Documentation: MACP Directors are now required to issue written findings citing specific reasons if a requested fee amount is reduced or disapproved.

Fees & Costs

• Payment Triggers: The Commissioners Court must pay the approved amount within 45 days of the Director's approval.
• Appeal Mechanism: If the Director fails to act on a voucher within 60 days, counsel must file a motion with the Presiding Judge of the Administrative Judicial Region to compel a decision.