Report Title:

Impact Litigation Unit

 

Description:

Establishes an impact litigation unit in the office of the attorney general.

 

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

H.B. NO.

1351

TWENTY-FIRST LEGISLATURE, 2001

 

STATE OF HAWAII

 


 

A BILL FOR AN ACT

 

RELATING TO GOVERNMENT.

 

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF HAWAII:

SECTION 1. Chapter 28, Hawaii Revised Statutes, is amended by adding a new section to be appropriately designated and to read as follows:

"§28- Impact litigation unit. (a) There is established in the department of the attorney general an impact litigation unit. The impact litigation unit shall consist of attorneys and other specialized personnel who are in private practice. The attorney general, within reason, shall provide staffing, office equipment, work areas, and supplies as needed. The attorney general shall contract with private attorneys to provide legal services relating to the investigation, prosecution, and defense of claims against the State that in the attorney general’s opinion impose a substantial financial liability or hardship on the State.

(b) Rates of compensation of attorneys or specialists shall be set at the attorney general’s discretion and may be set on a fixed-price, hourly, or fixed cap basis.

(c) The attorney general shall approve of all major litigation strategies and shall approve and submit to the governor and legislature for review all settlements negotiated by the impact litigation unit on behalf of the State."

SECTION 2. New statutory material is underscored.

SECTION 3. This Act shall take effect upon its approval.

INTRODUCED BY:

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