ATTORNEY GENERAL: Provides relative to requiring the attorney general to defend state elected officials and acts of the legislature

HB 371 would require Louisiana's attorney general to provide free legal defense to elected state officials (including legislators, statewide officeholders, and local officials) in civil, administrative, or quasi-judicial cases arising from their official duties. It also mandates that the attorney general defend all state legislative acts challenged in court for constitutionality or validity. If the attorney general declines representation, officials may hire private lawyers at state expense, with fees capped at rates the attorney general typically pays for similar legal work. The bill establishes procedures for written declination notices, alternative representation authorization, and cost reimbursement, while excluding criminal cases and instances of misconduct outside official duties.