1B31BB8C4F94DCB08725865B0063F1D7 Hearing Summary

Ms. Eubanks discussed the Executive Committee's resolution directing the Committee on Legal Services to retain the Office of Legislative Legal Services as counsel to represent the General Assembly and the Office's concern about the direction from the Executive Committee with regard to competency and capacity of the Office in this matter.

Senator Gardner and Ms. Eubanks discussed the question of whether the Committee is bound by the Executive Committee's resolution and whether the Committee should retain counsel at all. They also discussed the history of Kerr et al. v. Polis.

Representative Weissman discussed his thoughts on the question before the Committee and that he believes there needs to be an answer to the constitutional questions posed by Kerr. Ms. Eubanks responded to Representative Weissman.

Representative Snyder, Representative Herod, and Ms. Eubanks discussed the cost of retaining counsel for litigation.

Senator Gardner and Ms. Eubanks discussed the potential costs to the Office of hiring additional staff to assist in representing the General Assembly in this lawsuit and they also discussed the issue of standing in the case.

Representative Weissman further discussed the standing issue and the General Assembly's institutional interest in this case.

Senator Cooke and Ms. Eubanks discussed the nonpartisan nature of the Office and how the Office performs its functions in furtherance of the institutional interest of the General Assembly while doing what it is requested to do.

Senator Foote and Ms. Eubanks discussed the different options before the Committee for retaining representation for the General Assembly for this case.

Representative Weissman and Senator Cooke discussed the parties to the lawsuit.

Representative Soper and Ms. Eubanks discussed what would happen if the Committee were to vote not to retain counsel and also how the Office would respond to being directed to represent the General Assembly in the lawsuit in terms of staffing and the cost of that to the Office.

Representative Soper discussed Representative Weissman's motion and encouraged a no vote.

Representative Weissman's motion passed. Senator Gardner then made a motion. He discussed his motion and urged a yes vote. Senator Gardner and Ms. Eubanks clarified who should be retained with regard to the motion.

Representative Herod and Ms. Eubanks discussed Senator Gardner's motion.

Senator Cooke and Ms. Eubanks discussed conflicts of interest in voting.

Representative Weissman and Ms. Eubanks discussed Senator Gardner's motion and individual legislator standing concerning the lawsuit.

Representative Snyder and Ms. Eubanks discussed Senator Gardner's motion. Senator Gardner responded to the discussion.

Representative Weissman discussed Senator Gardner's motion and the standing issue. Senator Gardner responded to Representative Weissman. Representative Herod stated her support for Representative Weissman's arguments and urged a no vote.