The bill amends section 54-12-08 of the North Dakota Century Code, which pertains to the appointment and responsibilities of assistant and special assistant attorneys general. Key changes include the stipulation that the attorney general may appoint these attorneys after consulting with relevant state departments or agencies, and that certain state entities, such as the workforce safety and insurance and the department of transportation, are permitted to employ their own attorneys. However, these attorneys must be designated as special assistant attorneys general by the attorney general, who retains the authority to revoke appointments for good cause, defined as inadequate experience, competence, or ethical standards.

Additionally, the bill introduces specific protections for special assistant attorneys general employed by certain state officials, stating that their appointments cannot be revoked without good cause. It also clarifies that the powers of special assistant attorneys general are equivalent to those of regular assistant attorneys general unless otherwise specified. The bill ensures that legal services rendered by these attorneys are compensated appropriately and outlines the financial arrangements for such services, emphasizing that general fund moneys are not to be used for these payments, except in specific cases related to health and human services.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 54-12-08