SRC-JJJ C.S.S.B. 491 76(R)BILL ANALYSIS Senate Research CenterC.S.S.B. 491 76R11121 CAS-DBy: Luna Education 4/6/1999 Committee Report (Substituted) DIGEST Currently, Texas law permits multi-year contracts between a school district and an attorney representing a school district. C.S.S.B. 491 would provide that a legal service contract purporting to bind a school district for a fixed term may be voided by the district, and would except certain legal contracts. PURPOSE As proposed, C.S.S.B. 491 specifies obligations regarding contractual terms for legal services provided to school districts. RULEMAKING AUTHORITY This bill does not grant any additional rulemaking authority to a state officer, institution, or agency. SECTION BY SECTION ANALYSIS SECTION 1. Amends Chapter 44B, Education Code, by adding Section 44.042, as follows: Sec. 44.042. CONTRACTS FOR LEGAL SERVICES. Provides that a contract for legal services that purports to bind a school district for a fixed term of longer than one year may be avoided by the district. Provides that this section does not apply to certain contracts for the provision of legal services. SECTION 2. Makes application of this Act prospective. SECTION 3. Effective date: September 1, 1999. SECTION 4. Emergency clause. SUMMARY OF COMMITTEE CHANGES SECTION 1. Amends Section 44.042, Education Code, to provide that a contract for legal services may be voided by a school district. Provides that this section does not apply to certain contracts.