HI HB166

Requires the attorney general to defend professionally licensed or certified state employees in civil actions when their actions were within the scope of employment and not grossly negligent or wanton, provided the employee cooperates with the defense.

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

Requires the attorney general to work with the employee to amicably transfer representation to successor counsel chosen by the employee if the state declines to defend on grounds of gross negligence, wanton conduct, or lack of employee cooperation.

Establishes a confidential court process for the attorney general to file a motion to withdraw as counsel, with all related motions and pleadings designated as confidential, if amicable transfer cannot be achieved.

Effective July 1, 3000.