Bill > S06490

This bill enacts the "State Taxpayer Oversight and Protection (STOP) Act", which modifies provisions related to legal representation and attorneys' fees for state employees facing civil actions. The bill amends the public officers law to restrict when the state will pay attorneys' fees, specifically prohibiting payment for fees incurred by an employee in any action brought against the state. Additionally, the bill introduces a new standard for evaluating attorneys' fees, declaring that hiring multiple law firms for the same legal matter will be presumptively considered unreasonable, unless the employee can demonstrate a genuine need for additional attorneys with distinct expertise. The comptroller is granted the authority to review and determine whether attorneys' fees are proportional and consistent with defense methods used in similar cases, with the power to refuse payment for fees deemed unreasonable. The bill also updates gender-specific language to be gender-neutral by replacing "his" with "their" throughout the text. These changes aim to provide greater oversight and control over legal expenses paid by the state, potentially reducing unnecessary legal costs and ensuring more efficient use of taxpayer funds.

Government Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S6490