MS HB276

Requires state agencies to conduct a legislative hearing before entering into contracts for legal services exceeding $1,000,000, whether structured as flat, hourly, or contingent fees plus expenses.

Creates a Joint Legislative Committee on State Agency Legal Contracts composed of legislative leadership, judiciary committee chairs, and eight appointed members (four from each chamber) with a quorum requirement of eight members.

Mandates the Joint Committee hold public hearings within 45 days of receiving a proposed contract and issue a report with any recommended changes to the contracting agency or official.

Allows the state agency to reject the committee's proposed changes by submitting a letter explaining its reasons; the agency must then wait an additional 45 days before finalizing the contract.

Amends Mississippi Code Sections 7-5-1 and 7-5-7 to make the Attorney General's authority to manage state litigation subject to this act's provisions.