OK SB588

Amends 19 O.S. Section 215.37M to allow county boards of commissioners to approve contracts with private attorneys for civil case representation when district attorneys cannot adequately represent the county's interests

Authorizes counties to employ private attorneys for civil cases where: (1) the county is a party and district attorney representation is required, or (2) a county officer or employee is a party and district attorney representation is required

Allows the Board of County Commissioners, sheriff, treasurer, or assessor to employ a general counsel (either in-house staff attorney or outside law firm) to advise and represent the officer in official duties, subject to Board approval of outside counsel contracts

County offices must compensate general counsel and pay private attorney contract costs from their own county funds; no supplemental appropriations authorized

Effective date: November 1, 2009