An Act to amend 13.124 (1) (b), 13.124 (2) (b) and 13.124 (3) (b); to create 13.124 (4) of the statutes; Relating to: appointment of legal counsel by the legislature.
Impact
If enacted, AB396 would centralize the process of obtaining legal counsel within the legislature, potentially increasing collaborative oversight and accountability in legal representation. Supporters of the bill argue that it will provide a clearer chain of responsibility and financial management within the legislative bodies. The bill seeks to ensure that legal counsel appointments reflect a consensus rather than the discretion of a few individuals, potentially leading to more informed and representative legal decisions in legislative matters.
Summary
Assembly Bill 396 aims to amend existing statutes concerning the appointment of legal counsel by the legislature in Wisconsin. The bill outlines that legislative bodies, including the assembly, senate, and any joint efforts, can only retain legal counsel from the Department of Justice. It further stipulates that any such action must be approved by a majority of members present in the respective legislative house. This marks a significant change from current law, which allows individual leaders within each legislative chamber to independently appoint legal representation without broader approval.
Contention
However, the bill may face criticism from those who view it as an unnecessary restriction on legislative leaders. Critics argue that the existing system allows for agile and responsive legal advice, which is crucial in fast-paced legislative environments. They caution that requiring a majority approval for every legal appointment could slow down the process of obtaining necessary legal advice, especially in urgent matters where immediate legal counsel is required to navigate complex legal landscapes.
Crossfiled
An Act to amend 13.124 (1) (b), 13.124 (2) (b) and 13.124 (3) (b); to create 13.124 (4) of the statutes; Relating to: appointment of legal counsel by the legislature.
Creating an Office of Civil Legal Aid to be overseen by a Civil Legal Aid Board, providing a right to the appointment of counsel at state expense for residential tenants in eviction actions, and making an appropriation. (FE)
Creating an Office of Civil Legal Aid to be overseen by a Civil Legal Aid Board, providing a right to the appointment of counsel at state expense for residential tenants in eviction actions, and making an appropriation. (FE)
Legislature: legislators; appointment of a legislator to a committee that would create a conflict of interest; prohibit. Amends 1968 PA 318 (MCL 15.301 - 15.310) by adding sec. 8a.