Informing the Legislature that on July 2, 2025, the Governor signed the following bill into law: SB264 SD1 HD1 CD1 (ACT 274).

This bill (SB264, Act 274) establishes a fixed $2,000 payment for experts who examine criminal defendants, excluding those employed by the state or county. It directly affects forensic experts, medical professionals, and court-appointed specialists who conduct evaluations for indigent defendants. The key provision sets this payment to cover the entire process - including examination, report writing, court testimony, and related work - replacing prior compensation methods. The bill also appropriates $975,000 from state funds for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027 to cover these costs within the judiciary.