HI SB1490

Requires the attorney general to defend professionally licensed or certified state employees in civil actions when they were acting within the scope of employment, except in cases of gross negligence or wanton conduct.

Allows professionally licensed or certified state employees to hire their own attorney at personal expense instead of using the attorney general's defense.

Mandates the attorney general file a motion within 30 days of discovery closure if refusing to defend a state or county employee on grounds of gross negligence or wanton conduct, with the employee having at least 30 days to respond.

Requires the court to conduct a hearing on the attorney general's duty to defend following the motion filing.

Effective date: January 1, 2050.