A. The commissioner of agriculture may employ or contract with legal counsel to represent the Department of Agriculture in the enforcement of the laws, rules, and regulations of the department and its boards and commissions.

            B. When funds are appropriated by the legislature to the Department of Agriculture for legal services in the professional services category of the state budget, each contract for legal services from that category shall be awarded in accordance with, and shall be subject to, the provisions of Chapter 17 of Subtitle III of Title 39 of the Louisiana Revised Statutes of 1950. Provided, however, that notwithstanding any law, rule, or regulation to the contrary, each contract shall be subject to review and approval by the office of state procurement and the attorney general only.

            Acts 1960, No. 28, §§1, 2. Amended by Acts 1962, No. 340, §3; Acts 1983, No. 597, §1; Acts 2014, No. 864, §§4 and 5.