Relating to: appointment of legal counsel by the legislature.

SB 397 modifies how the legislature appoints legal counsel by allowing the Speaker of the Assembly, Senate Majority Leader, and Joint Committee Co-Chairs to hire outside legal counsel (not from the Department of Justice) for legislative matters, but adds a new requirement: such appointments now need majority approval from the full legislative house. Previously, leadership could make these decisions unilaterally; the bill creates Section 4 to mandate this oversight. It directly affects legislative leadership and committees when seeking external legal services. The bill does not alter public policy or impact citizens.