Bill Summary: HB 3131

• Amends 19 O.S. 2011, Section 527 to authorize sheriffs, treasurers, and county assessors to employ general counsel either as in-house staff attorneys or through outside law firms to advise and represent them in official duties.

• Grants counsel authority to file appeals in all state and federal district and appellate courts on behalf of county officers.

• Amends 68 O.S. 2011, Section 2880.1 to allow county assessors to be represented by their own counsel in appeals from county board of equalization decisions, with such counsel authorized to file appeals and represent the assessor in litigation.

• Permits county assessors to choose representation by their own counsel as an alternative to district attorney representation in appeals and declaratory judgment requests.

• Effective date: November 1, 2014.