Texas House Bill HB2817

Texas 2021 - 87th Regular

Caption

Relating to the requirement that attorneys employed by or contracting with the attorney general document and maintain records of hours spent on state legal actions.

Impact

The bill specifically amends Subchapter B, Chapter 402 of the Government Code, adding a new requirement for attorneys in this capacity. Upon conclusion of any legal action, attorneys are obligated to submit a statement summarizing their total billable hours, which becomes part of the public record. This move reflects a broader push towards greater transparency in governmental operations, enabling the public and oversight bodies, such as the state auditor, to inspect records related to state legal services.

Summary

House Bill 2817 mandates that attorneys employed by or contracted with the Texas Attorney General must document and maintain records of their hours spent on state legal actions. This requirement aims to enhance accountability and transparency in how legal services are provided within state legal contexts. By requiring thorough documentation, the bill seeks to ensure that taxpayers can understand the use of resources within the legal framework of the Attorney General's office.

Contention

One noted point of contention surrounding HB 2817 is the balance between public accountability and the confidentiality of legal strategies. While the bill promotes transparency, it also includes provisions that allow for certain information to be withheld under specific circumstances if it is deemed necessary for protecting the Attorney General's strategic interests in ongoing or anticipated litigation. This duality raises questions about how much transparency is feasible without compromising legal protections.