Bill Emerges to Move Attorneys to AG Control

Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A bill has emerged in a House budget panel that would transfer an estimated 250 attorneys working for various state agencies to the control of the attorney general's office.

The measure considered Wednesday in the House General Conference Committee on Appropriations fell one signature short of the required number for passage, but Chairman Ken Miller said he was confident the bill would be signed out.

The measure would have to be approved by a similar Senate committee before being considered in the House and Senate.

Attorney general spokesman Charlie Price says the move is expected to cut in half the $9 million state agencies spend to hire outside attorneys.

Price says some agency attorneys would see their salaries reduced under the plan.