S.B. No. 888 amends Section 402.024 of the Government Code to expand the attorney general's authority to defend district and county attorneys in federal court. The bill modifies the section's heading to include "county attorney" and "grand juror," and introduces a new subsection (c) that outlines specific conditions under which the attorney general may provide defense. These conditions include that the attorney must be a defendant due to their official position, the lawsuit must relate to the enforcement of a state statute, and the attorney must request the attorney general's assistance.

The changes made by this bill will only apply to court actions filed in federal court on or after the effective date of September 1, 2025. Any actions filed before this date will continue to be governed by the previous law in effect at the time of filing. This legislation aims to clarify and enhance the legal protections available to district and county attorneys facing federal lawsuits related to their official duties.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: Government Code 402.024 (Government Code 402)
Senate Committee Report: Government Code 402.024 (Government Code 402)