(a) Except as provided by Subsection (b), in a proceeding in connection with workers' compensation benefits provided by a political subdivision as a self-insurer, the political subdivision may be represented by:

(1) the political subdivision's attorney or that attorney's assistants; or

(2) outside counsel.

(b) In a proceeding involving workers' compensation for employees of a municipal utility operated by a board of trustees established under Section 1502.070, Government Code, or a similar law, if the board of trustees is a self-insurer, the municipality shall be represented by the regularly employed attorney or outside counsel of the board of trustees.

Acts 1993, 73rd Leg., ch. 269, § 1, eff. Sept. 1, 1993. Amended by Acts 2001, 77th Leg., ch. 1420, § 8.284, eff. Sept. 1, 2001.