The CJA Plan (Misc. Order #3) has been revised, effective August 16, 2021. There are four major changes:
- A Mentor Program is established to identify and prepare viable candidates for consideration of appointment to the CJA Panel. Section VIII.C (pp. 11 – 13)
- At the request of a CJA Panel member, the CJA Committee may review any voucher reduction and make a recommendation to the presiding judge. Section VIII.B.6.b (p. 11).
- Except in cases involving mathematical corrections or work that is clearly clerical, appointed counsel should be given notice and an opportunity to be heard before a voucher is reduced by more than 1 hour of time. Section XII.B.5 (p. 18).
- The appointment provisions for § 2254 death penalty counsel require the FPD to move for the appointment of counsel no later than 15 days after the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals’ state-habeas ruling becomes final. Section XIV.F.2 (p. 25).