WASHINGTON, D.C. (WTVA) -- Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves today received the 2012 State Legislative Achievement Award from the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform for passage of the Attorney General “Sunshine Act.”
The U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform also honored Speaker Philip Gunn, Rep. Mark Baker and Sen. Briggs Hopson with the legislative award at the 13th Annual Legal Reform Summit in Washington, D.C.
“The Attorney General Sunshine Act sheds light on the process used by the Attorney General’s office to hire contract attorneys,” Lt. Gov. Reeves said. “I appreciate the recognition from the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform of the hard work and collaboration by Sen. Hopson, Rep. Baker, Speaker Gunn and the entire Mississippi Legislature.”
The Attorney General “Sunshine Act,” which passed in the 2012 legislative session, requires an open and transparent process for awarding legal contracts.
The bill sets rates for private counsel, protecting Mississippians against exorbitant awards of taxpayer settlements to outside counsel.
It also requires the Attorney General to provide notification to state agencies prior to filing legal action on that agency’s behalf.
The law establishes a committee to review contracts with private attorneys ensuring the state’s interests are protected.
The annual Legal Reform Awards honor individuals and organizations whose outstanding work has contributed to making America’s civil justice system simpler, fairer, and faster for everyone.
ILR seeks to promote civil justice reform through legislative, political, judicial, and educational activities at the national, state, and local levels.
