AZ SB1459

Requires cities, towns, and counties to obtain written determination from their attorney that contingency fee representation is cost-effective and in the public interest before hiring private attorneys on contingency basis.

Caps contingency fees on a sliding scale: 25% for recoveries under $10 million, declining to 5% for recoveries of $25 million or more, with an aggregate maximum of $50 million in contingency fees regardless of number of lawsuits or attorneys.

Mandates that government attorneys retain ultimate control, veto power, and supervisory authority over all litigation decisions, with settlement decisions expressly non-delegable to private attorneys.

Requires posting of executed contingency fee contracts, written determinations, and contingency fee payments on city/town/county websites within specified timeframes for public inspection, except where posting would damage business or personal reputation.

Obligates private attorneys to maintain detailed financial and time records for four years after contract expiration and submit them to government attorneys upon request; requires annual reports to state officials listing all contingency fee contracts, matters, recoveries, and fees paid.