Texas Senate Bill SB1182

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Introduced: 3/4/11
• Refer: 3/16/11

Caption

Relating to the review of certain documents by the attorney general; imposing certain fees.

Impact

The implications of SB 1182 on state laws are significant, as it establishes a clear framework for the financial accountability of legal services. By mandating a fee structure for the review of legal services contracts and invoices, SB 1182 is designed to create a systematic method for the attorney general's office to provide oversight while generating revenue from these transactions for its operational costs. Overall, this legislative initiative underscores the growing need for accountability and fiscal responsibility in how legal services are provided to public entities.

Summary

Senate Bill 1182 is aimed at enhancing the efficiency of legal services contracting within state agencies by imposing administrative fees associated with the review of documents by the attorney general. The bill modifies existing laws to allow the attorney general to charge a nonrefundable fee for electronic submissions of documents as well as for the review of invoices related to contracts for legal services. This approach is expected to streamline processes for state agencies when interacting with legal counsel while ensuring oversight from the attorney general's office.

Sentiment

The general sentiment surrounding SB 1182 appears to align positively among its proponents, who argue that the changes will improve the efficiency of contracting processes within state agencies. However, there may be concerns from certain quarters regarding the additional financial burdens that these fees will place on state agencies and potentially on their contracted legal representatives. While proponents see it as a necessary step for better management and oversight, opponents might view it as another layer of bureaucracy that could complicate the contract process.

Contention

One notable point of contention regarding SB 1182 is primarily centered around the financial implications of the newly introduced administrative fees. Critics of the bill may argue that the additional costs imposed could deter some qualified legal representatives from providing their services to state agencies or result in increased expenses for taxpayers if agencies attempt to pass these costs along. Additionally, there are questions about how these fees might influence the engagement of outside counsel, particularly concerning the accessibility and quality of legal services provided to state entities.