House Bill No. [insert bill number] mandates that the Attorney General of Louisiana provide legal representation at no cost to duly elected state officials, including members of the legislature, when they are involved in civil, administrative, or quasi-judicial proceedings related to their official duties. The bill outlines specific circumstances under which representation is required, such as when an official is named as a defendant or respondent, requires legal guidance, or is subject to a subpoena. It also details the scope of representation, which includes filing motions, asserting defenses, and providing legal advice to avoid personal liability. However, the duty of representation does not extend to criminal proceedings or civil cases where the official is alleged to have acted outside their official capacity.

Additionally, the bill requires the Attorney General to defend the constitutionality of legislative acts and to notify legislative leaders of any challenges to such acts. If the Attorney General declines to represent an official or defend a legislative act, they must provide a written statement detailing the reasons for the declination. In such cases, the affected official or legislature may retain private counsel, with the state covering the costs under specified rate limitations. The bill establishes a framework for coordination between the Attorney General and alternative counsel and allows for judicial review of declinations by the Attorney General. The provisions of this bill apply to all pending and future legal proceedings involving requests for representation or challenges to legislative acts.