Senate Bill 397 seeks to amend the current statutes regarding the appointment of legal counsel by the legislature. The bill modifies sections 13.124 (1) (b), 13.124 (2) (b), and 13.124 (3) (b) to include the phrase "Subject to sub. (4)," which indicates that the authority of the speaker of the assembly, the senate majority leader, and the cochairpersons of the Joint Committee on Legislative Organization to obtain legal counsel outside of the Department of Justice is now conditional. This change emphasizes that any such appointment must adhere to the new stipulations outlined in the bill.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new section, 13.124 (4), which establishes that the assembly, the senate, and the houses jointly, as well as any legislator or legislative committee, are prohibited from obtaining legal counsel other than from the Department of Justice unless the action is presented to the full house or houses (in the case of a joint appointment) and receives approval from a majority of the members present and voting. This aims to ensure greater oversight and accountability in the process of hiring legal counsel for legislative matters.

Statutes affected:
Bill Text: 13.124(1)(b), 13.124, 13.124(2)(b), 13.124(3)(b)