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 Arkansas and reside within the municipal boundaries, while contracted attorneys are not required to reside within the city or town.

The bill also establishes that the term of office for an elected or appointed municipal attorney will be four years. It introduces a provision allowing cities of the second class and incorporated towns to collaborate with other municipalities to purchase legal services. Furthermore, the bill repeals existing statutes that pertain to city attorneys in mayor-council cities with populations under 10,000 and under 5,000, thereby streamlining the legal framework governing municipal attorneys in Arkansas.

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