The proposed amendments to section 54-12-08 of the North Dakota Century Code focus on the appointment and authority of assistant and special assistant attorneys general. The bill clarifies that the attorney general may appoint these attorneys after consulting with relevant state departments or agencies, and it establishes that no state officer or agency can employ legal counsel without a written appointment from the attorney general. Additionally, specific state entities, including the ethics commission and various commissioners, are permitted to employ their own attorneys, who must be appointed as special assistant attorneys general by the attorney general. The bill also stipulates that the attorney general cannot refuse to appoint or revoke the appointment of special assistant attorneys general employed by certain state officials, such as the governor and state auditor, unless there is good cause.

Furthermore, the bill outlines the powers and compensation of special assistant attorneys general, stating that their powers are equivalent to those of regular assistant attorneys general unless limited by their appointment terms. It also specifies that the attorney general may charge for legal services rendered by these attorneys and that payments received will be deposited into the attorney general's operating fund. The amendments aim to streamline the legal representation of state entities while ensuring that the attorney general retains oversight and authority over legal counsel appointments.

Statutes affected:
INTRODUCED: 54-12-08
Adopted by the House Government and Veterans Affairs Committee: 54-12-08
FIRST ENGROSSMENT: 54-12-08
Adopted by the Senate State and Local Government Committee: 54-12-08