Date: 01/17/2006
Final
JBC Briefing - Department of Law
COMMITTEE ON JOINT JUDICIARY
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11:09 AM
Senator Tapia moved on to the Department of Law. He pointed out that only 20% of the Department's budget comes from the General Fund. He listed the key responsibilities of the Department of Law, which include civil litigation, criminal enforcement, and legal counsel and advice to the state. He pointed out a table listing legal services expenditures by state agency. He referred to the summary of major legislation affecting the department and discussed major funding changes for FY 2005-06. Representative McGihon asked if the salaries in the Attorney General's Office were increased last year. Senator Tapia stated that they were increased, but the Attorney General asked for a further increase because he has difficulty in getting and keeping quality staff because the salaries are not comparable with the private sector. Senator Grossman pointed out that when the salaries are increased in the Attorney General's Office, all other state agencies are then forced to raise salaries for staff attorneys. Discussion regarding the salary survey by the Attorney General's Office ensued.