HI HB2097

Requires the Attorney General to defend civil actions and proceedings against county-employed lifeguards providing services at designated state beach parks under state-county agreements.

Attorney General has no obligation to defend when claims result from a county lifeguard's gross negligence or wanton act or omission.

Requires the Attorney General to defend civil actions against counties for negligent or wrongful acts of their employed lifeguards at designated state beach parks, except for the county's own negligence or wrongful acts.

Appropriates $1,000,000 from general revenues and $500,000 from the special land and development fund for fiscal year 2018-2019 to the Department of Land and Natural Resources to contract with counties for lifeguard services.

Effective date is July 1, 2018.