The bill amends the law regarding the election, appointment, and contracting of municipal attorneys for cities of the second class and incorporated towns in Arkansas. It allows these municipalities to elect a municipal attorney during the same election as other city officers unless an ordinance specifies that the position will be appointed. Additionally, if a city or town opts not to establish a municipal attorney's office, it may contract with an attorney for legal representation. The bill also stipulates that an attorney elected or appointed to this position must reside within the municipal boundaries, while contracted attorneys are not required to do so. The term of office for a municipal attorney, whether elected or appointed, is set at four years.

Furthermore, the bill repeals existing provisions related to city attorneys in mayor-council cities with populations under 10,000 and under 5,000, streamlining the legal framework for municipal attorneys. It clarifies that cities of the second class and incorporated towns retain the authority to collaborate with other municipalities to procure legal services. The amendments aim to modernize and simplify the process of appointing and contracting municipal attorneys, ensuring that legal representation is accessible and appropriately regulated.

Statutes affected:
HB 1618: 14-42-112(a), 14-42-112(e)