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Bill

HB 1618

TO AMEND THE LAW CONCERNING THE ELECTION, APPOINTMENT, AND CONTRACTING OF A MUNICIPAL ATTORNEY.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Steve Crowell and 1 co-sponsor

HB 1618 allows second-class cities in Arkansas to elect or contract municipal attorneys, enhancing legal representation options while ensuring attorneys reside locally.

Notification that HB1618 is now Act 523
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Bill Summary · HB 1618

Summary of HB 1618: Municipal Attorney Law Amendments

Bill Number: HB 1618
Title: To Amend the Law Concerning the Election, Appointment, and Contracting of a Municipal Attorney
Status: Now Act 523
Introduced: February 27, 2025
Sponsor: Representative Hawk, Senator Crowell

Purpose and Intent

HB 1618 aims to amend existing laws regarding the election, appointment, and contracting of municipal attorneys in cities of the second class and incorporated towns in Arkansas. The bill seeks to clarify the processes involved in selecting municipal attorneys and to provide municipalities with more flexibility in their legal representation.

Key Provisions

The bill introduces several significant changes to the Arkansas Code, particularly § 14-42-112, which governs municipal attorneys:

  1. Election and Appointment:

    • Cities of the second class and incorporated towns may elect a municipal attorney during the same election as other city officers unless an ordinance specifies that the position will be appointed.
    • If a city opts not to have a municipal attorney, it may contract with an attorney for legal representation.

  2. Residency Requirements:

    • Elected or appointed municipal attorneys must reside within the municipal boundaries.
    • Attorneys contracted for representation are not required to reside within the city or town.

  3. Term of Office:

    • The term for an elected or appointed municipal attorney is set at four years.

  4. Collaboration Between Municipalities:

    • The bill allows cities of the second class and incorporated towns to collaborate with other municipalities to purchase legal services.

  5. Repeal of Existing Provisions:

    • The bill repeals previous statutes concerning city attorneys in mayor-council cities with populations under 10,000 and under 5,000, streamlining the legal framework for municipal attorney appointments.

Affected Parties

  • Municipalities: Cities of the second class and incorporated towns in Arkansas will benefit from the clarified processes and increased flexibility in hiring legal representation.
  • Attorneys: Licensed attorneys in Arkansas may find new opportunities for employment as municipal attorneys or through contracts with municipalities.

Procedural Timeline

  • February 27, 2025: Bill filed and read for the first time.
  • March 1, 2025: Passed by the House and sent to the Senate.
  • April 8, 2025: Passed by the Senate and returned to the House.
  • April 10, 2025: Signed into law as Act 523.

Conclusion

HB 1618 modernizes the legal framework for municipal attorneys in Arkansas, providing cities with more options for legal representation while ensuring that elected or appointed attorneys are connected to the communities they serve. The bill reflects a commitment to enhancing local governance and legal accessibility.

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

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