Virginia House Bill HB672

Virginia 2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/9/24
• Refer: 1/9/24

Caption

Assistant attorneys for the Commonwealth; Compensation Board to provide for every county and city.

Impact

The legislation aims to enhance legal representation across Virginia's counties and cities by providing a structured approach to the employment of assistant attorneys for the Commonwealth. This could lead to improved legal services and more efficient handling of cases at the local level. Moreover, it signifies a recognition of the need for adequate support for those fulfilling these crucial legal roles, particularly in jurisdictions where the workload may be substantial.

Summary

House Bill 672 proposes amendments to the Code of Virginia concerning the positions of attorneys for the Commonwealth and the employment of assistants to these attorneys. The bill stipulates that voters in every county and city will elect an attorney for the Commonwealth unless specified otherwise by general law. It establishes the authority of these attorneys to perform various legal duties and encourages the employment of compensated assistants upon approval from the Compensation Board, ensuring that at least one assistant is provided in jurisdictions where the attorney is fully dedicated to the role without engaging in private practice.

Contention

Discussions surrounding HB 672 may center around the implications of mandating assistants to be employed with approval from the Compensation Board. Some may argue that this could place additional financial burdens on local governments, while supporters may view it as a necessary investment in ensuring that local attorney offices operate effectively. Additionally, the bill can spark debates about the autonomy of local governance and the degree to which state laws should dictate local employment practices.