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, municipalities that opt not to have a municipal attorney can contract with an attorney for legal representation. The bill clarifies that an attorney elected or appointed to this position must be a licensed attorney in the state and reside within the municipal boundaries, while contracted attorneys are not required to reside within the city or town.

Furthermore, the bill establishes a four-year term for elected or appointed municipal attorneys and allows cities to collaborate with other municipalities to purchase legal services. It also repeals previous statutes that governed the election and appointment of city attorneys in smaller mayor-council cities, streamlining the process and consolidating the regulations under the new provisions.

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