Relating to oversight of political subdivision hiring of private attorneys

SB 891 requires West Virginia political subdivisions (like counties or municipalities) to obtain Attorney General approval before hiring private attorneys under contingency fee contracts for lawsuits. It mandates public notice of specific reasons for using such contracts - including why in-house lawyers or hourly fees aren't feasible - and requires published findings proving compliance with legal standards. The bill also clarifies that subdivisions cannot force attorneys to cover their own negligence but may contract for defense against claims involving the subdivision's actions. All approval-related findings become public records under state disclosure laws. The bill is currently pending in the Senate Judiciary Committee.