Assembly Bill 170 seeks to amend the legal framework governing the use of legal services by the Department of Justice (DOJ) in Wisconsin. The bill specifically prohibits the DOJ from utilizing the legal services of any individual who is not a state or federal employee or agent for the investigation or prosecution of civil or criminal matters. This prohibition is subject to certain exceptions, including the use of legal interns who earn no more than $10,000 annually from their internship employer, and instances where the DOJ follows a specific process for contracting legal services on a contingent fee basis.

The new statute, created under section 165.252, establishes clear guidelines for the DOJ's engagement with nongovernmental employees in legal capacities. By restricting the use of external legal services, the bill aims to ensure that legal assistance is primarily sourced from state or federal employees, thereby potentially enhancing accountability and oversight within the DOJ's operations.