AR HB1832

Attorney General must authorize employment of special counsel by state officials, departments, institutions, boards, commissions, or agencies when the Attorney General determines it is necessary and obtains Governor approval.

State entities seeking special counsel must provide written confirmation of annual re-advertisement for special counsel positions, unless the matter involves an ongoing court case requiring longer-term representation.

Proposed contracts between special counsel and state entities require Attorney General approval, with automatic approval if the Attorney General does not approve or disapprove within 5 business days.

Special counsel compensation must be determined during contract procurement and approved by the Governor and Attorney General, with automatic approval if neither official disapproves within the specified timeframe.

Settlement agreements negotiated by special counsel must be approved by the Governor and submitted to the Litigation Reports Oversight Subcommittee of the Legislative Council for review before execution.