Juneau -- A bill clarifying the Attorney General's duties to defend the Constitution of the State of Alaska and giving the Legislature the authority to make appropriations and to limit the attorney general's authority to settle cases passed the Senate Wednesday.

"The Attorney General is Alaska's chief legal officer and is the sword and the shield of our state constitution," said Senator Robin Taylor, Chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee. "This bill clarifies the obligation of the holder of this office to protect and defend the constitution."

The bill, Senate Bill 286, was introduced by the Senate Judiciary Committee after extensive work with members of the Subcommittee on Privatization. The subcommittee determined that the Attorney General is not a constitutional office. The Department of Law concurred in this finding. As a result, the Legislature can statutorily define the roles and responsibilities of the department's top official.

In addition to clarifying the duty to defend the Constitution, SB 286 limits the Attorney General's ability to settle cases. If a settlement agreement recognizes a present or future obligation of the state not defined by statute or otherwise funded, the agreement is subject to appropriation by the Legislature.

SB 286 now heads to the House.

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