Georgia legislation · 2025-2026 Regular Session
Georgia HB1546: Local government; requirements for local authorities retaining legal services on a contingent fee basis; provide
Status: In committee, March 18, 2026
A BILL to be entitled an Act to amend Chapter 80 of Title 36 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions applicable to counties, municipal corporations, and other governmental entities, so as to provide for requirements for local authorities retaining legal services on a contingent fee basis; to provide for review and approval of contracts by the Attorney General; to provide for restrictions on such contracts; to provide for definitions; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
What the bill says
To amend Chapter 80 of Title 36 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions applicable to counties, municipal corporations, and other governmental entities, so as to provide for requirements for local authorities retaining legal services on a contingent fee basis; to provide for review and approval of contracts by the Attorney General; to provide for restrictions on such contracts; to provide for definitions; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
From the introduced text:
A BILL TO BE ENTITLED To amend Chapter 80 of Title 36 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions applicable to counties, municipal corporations, and other governmental entities, so as to provide for requirements for local authorities retaining legal services on a contingent fee basis; to provide for review and approval of contracts by the Attorney General; to provide for restrictions on such contracts; to provide for definitions; to provide for related matters; to provide for an effective date; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes. BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA: SECTION 1. Chapter 80 of Title 36 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to general provisions applicable to counties, municipal corporations, and other governmental entities, is amended by adding a new Code section to read as follows: "36-80-32. (a) As used in this Code section, the term 'local authority' means a county, municipal corporation, local political subdivision, or other local governmental entity; provided, however, that such term does not include a state authority. H. B. 1546 LC 44 3490 (b) The governing body of any local authority which is authorized to file and pursue civil actions may enter into an agreement with a private attorney or law firm to represent the local authority on a contingent fee basis …