An Act To Require The Attorney General To Seek Legislative Approval Before Filing Any Civil Suit On Behalf Of The State And To Authorize Citizen-Initiated Petitions To Move For Dismissal

This bill requires Maine's Attorney General to obtain legislative approval before filing any civil lawsuit on behalf of the state. The Attorney General must submit a proposal to the judiciary committee, which can then recommend approval to the full Legislature; a majority vote in both chambers and the Governor's signature are required for approval. Registered voters can also initiate a petition with 500 valid signatures to request dismissal of an ongoing lawsuit, temporarily halting proceedings while the petition is processed. These provisions directly affect the Attorney General's office and registered voters, altering how state legal actions are authorized and challenged.