SB1379 Summary: Private Attorney Retention Sunshine Act

• Requires state agencies retaining private attorneys for legal services exceeding $5,000 to conduct a request for proposal (RFP) process before hiring.

• Mandates agencies post RFP documents and awarded contract information (vendor identity, service description, projected/actual payments, award date) on their websites for 3 years.

• Requires Governor review of proposed legal contracts exceeding $500,000 within 30 days; agencies must consider Governor's recommendations or explain why changes were not adopted.

• Caps legal fees at $1,000 per hour and requires contingency-fee counsel to provide hour breakdowns upon case conclusion; reduces any fees exceeding this hourly rate.

• Effective November 1, 2010; exempts these contracts from Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act requirements.