The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2019 has authorized an increase to panel attorney hourly rates to $148 (up from $140) for non-capital work and to $190 (up from $188) for capital work.  The new rates apply to services performed on or after February 15, 2019.

In addition, the waivable case compensation maximum amount for non-capital representations increased to $11,500 (previously $10,900) for felony representations, effective February 15, 2019.  For investigative, expert, or other services, the new case compensation maximum without prior authorization is $900 (up from $800), effective February 15, 2019.  This limitation applies to the total compensation, excluding expenses, allowed for all subsection (e) service providers combined, and does not apply to each individually.