The original instrument was prepared by Benjamin A. Huxen, II. The following
digest, which does not constitute a part of the legislative instrument, was prepared
by Ann S. Brown.
DIGEST
SB 136 Reengrossed 2016 Regular Session Ward
Present law provides that no payment of attorney fees shall be made out of state funds in the absence
of express statutory authority, except such payment of attorney fees as may be approved by the Joint
Legislative Committee on the Budget during the interim between legislative sessions.
Proposed law eliminates that requirement and provides that the litigation subcommittee of the Joint
Legislative Committee on the Budget can approve such fees at any time.
Present law provides that the attorney general, or any state agency, board, or commission, not
including any public postsecondary education institution, cannot incur fees for legal services in
excess of the greater of (1) $500 per hour per person or (2) the maximum rate approved by the
Attorney Fee Review Board.
Proposed law changes the limitation to $1,000 per hour per person.
Proposed law provides that any contract with an hourly fee of $750 or more, paid from the Dept. of
Justice Legal Support Fund, shall be reported to the Joint Legislative Committee on the Budget
within 90 days of the contract's execution.
Effective upon signature of the governor or lapse of time for gubernatorial action.
(Amends R.S. 42:262(B) and (D) and R.S. 49:259(C)(2); adds R.S. 49:259(F))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Committee Amendments Proposed by Senate Committee on Judiciary A to the original bill
1. Deleted repeal of provisions providing certain exemptions from deposits of funds
into Dept. of Justice Legal Support Fund.
Senate Floor Amendments to engrossed bill
1. Provides for reporting requirements on certain contracts paid for by money in the
Dept. of Justice Legal Support Fund.