The bill amends section 109.02 of the Revised Code and enacts a new section, 9.243, which establishes a requirement for state agencies to reimburse the Attorney General for legal representation in contract disputes. Specifically, it defines terms such as "fair market rate for legal services," "recipient," and "state agency," and mandates that state agencies involved in legal actions with recipients must compensate the Attorney General at this fair market rate. Additionally, the Attorney General has the discretion to refuse representation to any state agency with an outstanding reimbursement balance unless directed by the governor or the general assembly. If representation is refused, the Attorney General must notify relevant state leaders within one business day.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the existing language in section 109.02 to clarify that the Attorney General is the chief law officer for the state and its departments, while also stipulating that the Attorney General's representation is subject to the new provisions outlined in section 9.243. The existing section 109.02 is repealed, streamlining the legal framework governing the Attorney General's role and the financial responsibilities of state agencies regarding legal services.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 109.02