Sec. 20.1. Notification of retention of private counsel

Whenever, pursuant to Public Officers Law, section 17(2)(b), an employee is entitled to representation by private counsel of his or her choice, private counsel retained to represent the employee in a civil action or proceeding in State or Federal court shall, upon such retention or as soon thereafter as possible, notify the State Comptroller in writing of such retention. Notification of retention must be accompanied by a copy of the certification by the Attorney General that the State employee is entitled to representation by private counsel.