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 the State Treasurer, among others. Additionally, it removes references to the Oklahoma Merit Protection Commission and the Board of Managers of CompSource Oklahoma, while adding new entities such as the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry, and the Department of Wildlife Conservation.

The bill also outlines the Attorney General's role in defending state officers, boards, and commissions in legal actions, with the exception of certain entities like the Corporation Commission and the Oklahoma Tax Commission. It allows the Attorney General to institute lawsuits on behalf of these entities if there is sufficient legal merit. Furthermore, the bill ensures that existing statutes regarding attorneys and legal advisors for specified commissions and departments remain unaffected. The act is set to take effect on November 1, 2025.