Bill
Bill > SB746
OR SB746
OR SB746Relating to the use of outside counsel by the Department of Justice; prescribing an effective date.
summary
Introduced
01/13/2025
01/13/2025
In Committee
01/17/2025
01/17/2025
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
06/27/2025
06/27/2025
Introduced Session
2025 Legislative Measures
Bill Summary
The statement includes a measure digest written in compliance with applicable readability standards. Digest: The Act tells DOJ to make a yearly report on the use of outside counsel to defend state agencies. (Flesch Readability Score: 71.7). Directs the Department of Justice to report annually to the Joint Committee on Ways and Means and the committees of the Legislative Assembly related to the judiciary on the use of outside counsel to defend state agencies in lawsuits. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.
AI Summary
This bill requires the Oregon Department of Justice (DOJ) to submit a comprehensive annual report by March 1st detailing the use of outside counsel in defending state agencies. The report must include specific information for the previous calendar year, such as the names of law firms retained, total legal fees paid, outstanding accounts payable, legal defense costs per agency, case details (including docket numbers), hours billed by DOJ attorneys, hourly rates for both outside counsel and DOJ attorneys, and any political contributions over $750 made by attorneys or partners of the outside counsel firms. The first report, due March 1, 2026, will also retrospectively include additional details for calendar years starting in 2022, specifically highlighting the top three law firms by total payments, their total fees and costs, and the number and names of cases they handled. The bill will take effect on the 91st day after the adjournment of the 2025 regular session of the Oregon Legislative Assembly, with the goal of increasing transparency in the DOJ's use of external legal representation.
Committee Categories
Justice
Sponsors (4)
Last Action
In committee upon adjournment. (on 06/27/2025)
Official Document
bill text
bill summary
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bill summary
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bill summary
| Document Type | Source Location |
|---|---|
| State Bill Page | https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/SB746 |
| Open Government Impact Statement for SB746 INTRO | https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Downloads/MeasureAnalysisDocument/84939 |
| BillText | https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Downloads/MeasureDocument/SB746/Introduced |
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