Texas Senate Bill SB367

Texas 2011 - 82nd Regular

• Out of Senate Committee: 3/8/11
• Introduced: 1/18/11
• Voted on by Senate: 3/16/11
• Refer: 2/2/11
• Out of House Committee: 4/14/11
• Report Pass: 3/8/11
• Voted on by House: 5/23/11
• Engrossed: 3/16/11
• Governor Action: 6/17/11
• Refer: 4/4/11
• Report Pass: 4/13/11
• Enrolled: 5/23/11

Caption

Relating to the review by the attorney general of invoices related to legal services provided to state agencies by outside counsel.

Impact

In terms of impact, SB367 imposes a requirement that could alter how legal services are procured and paid for by state agencies. It introduces an administrative fee that attorneys or law firms must pay for the invoice review process, altering the financial dynamics of entering into such contracts. The bill applies only to new contracts, meaning existing agreements remain governed by previous laws, which preserves the financial stability of ongoing legal arrangements without imposing new fees immediately.

Summary

SB367 amends Section 402.0212 of the Government Code concerning the review of invoices submitted for legal services provided to state agencies by outside counsel. The bill requires that invoices from outside attorneys or law firms must undergo a review by the attorney general to determine their eligibility for payment. This ensures more oversight and accountability regarding how taxpayer funds are utilized in legal contracts. The measure aims to maintain fiscal responsibility in state legal expenditures and ensures transparency in invoicing practices.

Contention

The bill does introduce notable contention points among stakeholders. Proponents may argue that the increased oversight protects state funds and ensures that only necessary and justified legal services are paid for, mitigating the risk of waste or fraudulent billing practices. Conversely, critics could view the introduction of administrative fees as a burden on legal service providers, especially smaller firms, which might discourage them from taking on state contracts. Additionally, there may be concerns about the efficiency of the review process and potential delays in payment to attorneys, which could affect the overall delivery of legal services to state agencies.