Senate Bill 2776

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 49-2-21, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO REMOVE THE AUTHORITY OF THE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY TO HIRE ATTORNEYS; TO REQUIRE THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO PROVIDE LEGAL COUNSEL TO THE DEPARTMENT; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

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

SECTION 1. Section 49-2-21, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

49-2-21. The Attorney General shall be counsel and attorney for the commission and the department * * * and shall provide such legal services as may be requested * * *. The Office of the Attorney General shall represent the commission and the department in all actions, proceedings and hearings and shall be legal advisor of the commission and the department in all matters relating to the commission and the department.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2006.