AR HB1574

Creates new law allowing elected state officials (Governor, Lieutenant Governor, Secretary of State, Treasurer, Auditor, Attorney General, Commissioner of State Lands, and General Assembly members) to seek reimbursement from the state for legal fees and litigation costs incurred when sued in their personal capacity for actions taken in their official capacity.

Requires that the Attorney General must have denied the official's written request for representation before reimbursement is available, and the official must have retained and paid for their own legal counsel.

Allows reimbursement only if the official substantially prevails on the merits of the action or the suit is dismissed (with or without prejudice, or upon plaintiff's motion).

Requires officials to file reimbursement claims with the State Claims Commission within 60 days of final disposition of the lawsuit, pursuant to existing claims procedures.

Makes the act effective retroactively for all causes of action filed and legal fees incurred after January 1, 2019, and declares an emergency for immediate implementation.