The bill amends the Government Code to establish a clear timeline and process for the approval or denial of state agency contracts for outside legal services by the attorney general. Specifically, it introduces a new subsection (a-1) to Section 402.0212, which mandates that the attorney general must approve or deny such contracts within 25 days of receipt. If a contract is denied, the attorney general is required to provide a written explanation to the submitting state agency detailing the reasons for the denial.

Additionally, the bill modifies Section 825.203(c) by removing previous language that required the attorney general to act timely on requests for contract approval. Instead, it emphasizes that if the attorney general denies a request, the board may select alternative legal counsel, subject to the attorney general's approval. The changes will apply only to contracts submitted for approval on or after the effective date of the Act, which is set for September 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 402.0212, Government Code 825.203 (Government Code 825, Government Code 402)