SB992

SB992 gives the attorney general 25 days after receiving a covered outside-legal-services contract from a state agency to approve or deny it. A denial must include a written explanation to the submitting agency. The governor signed the bill May 29, 2025. It took effect September 1, 2025, and applies only to contracts submitted for approval on or after that date; earlier submissions remain governed by the earlier law. History; Final law.

The deadline applies to contracts described by Government Code 402.0212(a), not every legal contract in Texas. That provision generally covers outside attorneys contracting with executive-branch state agencies other than constitutionally established agencies, subject to other-law authorization. Existing exclusions for quasi-judicial functions and the Texas Turnpike Authority division remain. The act does not provide automatic approval if the deadline is missed or remove the approval requirement. Final law; Pre-act section 402.0212.

The bill also updates the Teacher Retirement System board’s related provision: the older direction to act “timely” and give a denial reason is replaced by the general deadline and written-reason requirement. The board still may select alternative outside counsel after a denial, subject to attorney-general approval. Final law, section 2; Pre-act section 825.203; Pre-act section 821.001.