Bill > HB706

This bill introduces new requirements for parties seeking attorney fees from the state government. Specifically, when a party prevails against the state and wants to claim attorney fees, they must provide three key pieces of documentation: (1) an engagement letter or representation agreement that outlines the scope of representation and attorneys' hourly rates, (2) detailed daily documentation of work performed, with time entries broken down into increments less than a quarter-hour and submitted within 60 days of the work being done, and (3) proof that these invoices were paid within 30 days of receipt. However, the bill includes an important exception: these documentation requirements do not apply to parties whose income and assets did not exceed $250,000 in the most recent fiscal year. Additionally, the bill allows parties to redact any information protected by attorney-client privilege when making these disclosures. The bill is intended to be added to Title 25, chapter 10, part 3 of the state legal code, which governs legal procedures, and aims to increase transparency and accountability in attorney fee claims against the state government.

Justice

https://bills.legmt.gov/#/laws/bill/2/LC3440