CA AB1025

Extends existing conflict-of-interest legal counsel provisions to include elected treasurers-tax collectors, requiring county boards of supervisors to contract with independent legal counsel when the county counsel or district attorney has a conflict of interest in representing them.

Allows the elected treasurer-tax collector to initiate an ex parte proceeding before the presiding judge of the superior court if the board of supervisors disputes that a conflict of interest exists.

Grants the presiding judge authority to determine whether an "ethical wall" could adequately address the conflict, considering factors such as equal representation, level of support, and access to resources.

Requires the board of supervisors to immediately employ legal counsel selected by the presiding judge if a conflict is confirmed and an ethical wall is deemed inappropriate.

Establishes that if a court finds the elected treasurer-tax collector's action frivolous or in bad faith, their office must pay its own legal costs and all opposing party costs.