Bill No. 419 amends Section 18c of Title 74 of the Oklahoma Statutes, which governs the employment of attorneys by state officers, boards, and commissions. The bill clarifies that, with certain exceptions, no state entity can employ or appoint attorneys to advise or represent them. Notably, it updates the list of entities that are exempt from this restriction, including the Corporation Commission, the Oklahoma Tax Commission, and several others, while removing the Oklahoma Merit Protection Commission from the list. Additionally, it specifies that the Attorney General will have the authority to defend state officers, boards, and commissions in legal actions, except for certain specified entities.

The bill also allows for the employment of special counsel by the Governor and local counsel by liquidation agents of banks, with necessary approvals. It emphasizes that the legal duties of the specified entities are vested in the Attorney General, while also ensuring that existing statutes regarding attorneys and legal advisors for these entities remain unaffected. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.