Attorney General Brian Sandoval says he is looking into whether the state should reduce the number of boards and commissions represented by contract lawyers.
The issue came up after Secretary of State Dean Heller questioned a $250,000 contract with a private lawyer to represent the state Board of Contractors. Sandoval said that contract is for legal services at $200 an hour.
He said his staff has attorneys thoroughly versed in administrative law and can provide legal services for $78 an hour.
Sandoval said he is looking at a variety of boards and commissions such as the contractors' board, dental and medical boards and others with an eye to asking that lawmakers require them to get legal services from the Attorney General's Office.
Budget Director Perry Comeaux said that wouldn't do much to the general fund since most of those boards are self-supported by fees charged to the industries they oversee.
But Sandoval pointed out that it would save money for the businesses assessed to pay board and commission operating costs.
Gov. Kenny Guinn agreed the situation should be looked into.
