Senate Bill 55 aims to restrict the Department of Justice (DOJ) from utilizing the legal services of nongovernmental employees in the investigation or prosecution of civil or criminal matters. The bill specifies that the DOJ may only engage the services of state or federal employees or agents, with exceptions for legal interns who earn no more than $10,000 annually from their internship employer. This measure is intended to ensure that legal assistance in these matters is provided by individuals who are directly accountable to the state or federal government.

The new statute, created as section 165.252, explicitly prohibits the DOJ from employing any legal services from individuals who do not fall under the categories of state or federal employees, unless they meet the outlined exceptions. This includes a provision that allows for the use of legal interns, provided they are compensated within the specified financial limit. The bill reflects a significant shift in how legal services can be sourced by the DOJ, emphasizing a preference for state and federal personnel in legal proceedings.