House Bill No. 64, introduced by Representative Mike Johnson, aims to enhance the authority of the Louisiana Attorney General in representing the state's sovereign interests, particularly in legal matters involving the federal government. The bill amends existing laws to clarify that the Attorney General has the discretion to provide special legal services to various state entities and local political subdivisions. It emphasizes the state's right to self-determination and outlines the Attorney General's role in preserving the state's autonomy, independence, and sovereignty. The bill also establishes that the Attorney General can institute, defend, or intervene in lawsuits to protect the state's interests.

Additionally, the bill mandates that any state or local entity receiving a notice or claim from a federal agency must promptly inform the Governor and the Attorney General. It requires these entities to seek a 60-day stay of litigation to allow the Attorney General time to intervene. Furthermore, it prohibits state entities from entering into consent judgments in federal court without the approval of both the Attorney General and the Governor if such judgments would create continuing jurisdiction or binding obligations. The provisions of this bill will apply to any pending consent decrees or judgments that impose continuing jurisdiction over state entities.

Statutes affected:
HB64 Original: