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SB 992

Relating to the procedure by which the attorney general approves or denies approval of a state agency contract for outside legal services.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Sarah Eckhardt and 1 co-sponsor

SB 992 requires Texas Attorney General approval of state agency outside legal services contracts, establishing formal review procedures and oversight timelines effective September 1, 2025.

Effective on 9/1/25
#attorneygeneral(v2811) #stateagencies #boards&commissions(i0749)
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Bill Summary · SB 992

Legislative bill overview

SB 992 establishes a formal approval process requiring the Texas Attorney General to review and approve or deny state agency contracts for outside legal services. The bill creates procedural requirements and timelines for this oversight function, which previously lacked statutory definition. This legislation became effective September 1, 2025.

Why is this important

State agencies spend substantial public funds on outside counsel for specialized legal matters. Formalizing the Attorney General's review role adds a layer of governmental accountability and ensures consistency in how contracts are vetted. This affects both state budgets and the legal services market in Texas.

Potential points of contention

  • Regulatory burden: The approval process may slow contract execution and increase administrative costs for agencies needing urgent legal representation
  • AG office capacity: The Attorney General's office must have sufficient resources to review contracts within statutory timelines without creating bottlenecks
  • Scope definition: Ambiguity about which contracts require approval (threshold amounts, contract types) could lead to inconsistent application or disputes between agencies and the AG

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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