This 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 have a municipal attorney, it can contract with an attorney for legal representation. The bill clarifies 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 process for these municipalities. It also establishes that cities of the second class and incorporated towns can collaborate with other municipalities to purchase legal services. The changes aim to provide more flexibility in the hiring and contracting of legal representation for smaller municipalities while ensuring that elected or appointed attorneys are local residents.

Statutes affected:
HB 1618: 14-42-112(a), 14-42-112(e)
Act 523: 14-42-112(a), 14-42-112(e)