SB 1409 Summary

• Amends attorney compensation provisions to allow the attorney general to employ outside counsel on a fixed fee basis at a reasonable hourly rate not exceeding the prevailing hourly rate in the state, or on a contingent fee basis at rates set by the court subject to limitations in section 41-4803.

• Removes prior dollar cap ($50/hour) on contingent fee counsel in antitrust, restraint of trade, and price-fixing cases, allowing courts to set reasonable fees from recoveries obtained.

• Updates pro bono work provisions for assistant attorneys general to clarify conditions under which they may represent private clients during off-hours without state compensation.

• Modifies language regarding debt collection counsel, allowing the attorney general to retain or employ counsel to collect debts owed to the state without private practice restrictions.

• Clarifies that pro bono representation by attorneys does not disqualify the office from subsequently participating in actions affecting the client.