S.B. 336 Summary

• State Attorney General must defend professionally licensed or certified state employees in civil actions when the employee acted within the scope of employment and did not commit gross negligence or wanton acts, provided the employee cooperates fully with the defense.

• Professionally licensed or certified state employees may hire their own attorney at personal expense instead of accepting the Attorney General's representation.

• If the Attorney General declines to defend an employee, the Attorney General must work with the employee to transfer representation to the employee's chosen successor counsel.

• If amicable transfer cannot be achieved, the Attorney General must file a confidential motion to withdraw as counsel at least 30 days before discovery closes, with all related documents designated as confidential.

• The bill takes effect on July 1, 2025, and does not affect rights, penalties, or proceedings that began before the effective date.