OK HB1223

Enacts the Legal Services Reform Act, requiring state agencies to follow specific procedures and use request for proposal processes before retaining private attorneys or law firms.

Allows state agencies to obtain legal representation through: employing attorneys if authorized by law, contracting with the Attorney General, or contracting with private attorneys for good cause when the Attorney General determines conflict or lack of capacity exists.

Requires agencies to maintain and publish lists of request for proposal recipients and make requests for proposals and contract information accessible on state agency websites for three years, including vendor identity, service descriptions, and payment amounts.

Caps legal service fees at $1,000 per hour for contingency-fee matters, with fees reduced if an hourly rate exceeds this amount, and requires attorneys to provide statements of hours worked, expenses, and fee breakdowns at case conclusion.

Exempts contracts for legal services from The Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act and allows agency discretion in the request for proposal process.