The proposed bill, if enacted, would amend current statutes related to the Arizona Attorney General's authority and the Department of Child Safety (DCS). Specifically, it would allow DCS to employ legal counsel and incur expenses for legal services, which is a significant change from the current law that restricts state agencies from hiring their own legal representation. The bill also includes technical changes to clarify the language regarding the Attorney General's responsibilities and the agencies that fall under their purview, including the addition of DCS to the list of agencies that may seek legal counsel when the Attorney General is disqualified from representing them.

Additionally, the bill modifies the language surrounding the Attorney General's disqualification from providing legal services, ensuring that the notification process to affected state agencies is clear. It also specifies that appropriations for legal services are not subject to lapsing provisions, thereby providing more financial stability for legal expenditures. Overall, these updates aim to enhance the legal framework governing the Attorney General's role and the operational capabilities of DCS in securing legal representation.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 41-192