OK HB2549

Enacts the "Legal Services Reform Act" requiring state agencies and officials to follow specific procedures when hiring private attorneys, with approval needed when costs exceed $20,000.

Requires private attorneys retained on contingency fees to provide statements of hours worked, expenses, and fees; caps hourly rates at $1,000 per hour with automatic fee reduction if exceeded.

Allows Attorney General to determine "good cause" for retaining private counsel when the Attorney General's office cannot provide representation; removes previous list of excepted agencies.

Exempts contracts for legal services from The Oklahoma Central Purchasing Act and places request for proposal decisions under agency discretion.

Takes effect November 1, 2012.