The bill amends Florida Statutes to establish new regulations regarding legal representation contracts entered into by the Department of Legal Affairs. It defines the term "contingency fee" and creates a new section that outlines the process for entering into legal representation contracts. Specifically, the Attorney General must make a written determination that the representation is cost-effective and in the public interest before the department can enter into such contracts. This determination must include specific findings related to the availability of resources, the complexity of the legal issues, and the experience required for the contracted attorney.
Additionally, the bill mandates that the Attorney General request proposals from private attorneys after making the determination, and it specifies that this determination is not subject to review as a final agency action. The bill also requires contracted attorneys to maintain detailed time records and submit them biweekly to the department, which must post relevant information about the contracts and payments on its website for public inspection. Furthermore, the Attorney General is required to submit an annual report to the Legislature detailing the use of these contracts, including information about the attorneys involved and the outcomes of the legal matters. The act is set to take effect on July 1, 2025.