What is the current state's position on when to file a federal habeas petition?

Prior to AEDPA's enactment, state prisoners had almost unfettered discretion in deciding when to file a federal habeas petition.¹ Even delays of more than a decade did not necessarily bar a prisoner from seeking relief. E.g., Lonchar v. Thomas, ___ U.S. ___, ___, 116 S.Ct. 1293, 1295, 134 L.Ed.2d 440 (1996). AEDPA dramatically changed this landscape, shortening the time for filing a federal habeas petition to one year. Section 101 of AEDPA amended 28 U.S.C. 2244 by adding the following provision:

28 U.S.C. 2244(d).