Hawaii HB166 clarifies the State's duty to defend professionally licensed or certified employees in civil actions.

Hawaii HB166 amends Chapter 662, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to clarify the State's duty to defend professionally licensed or certified state employees from civil actions when the employee's actions were within the scope of employment and were not grossly negligent or wanton, provided the employee is cooperating with the State's defense. The bill also allows these employees to employ their own attorneys at their own expense. If the State declines to defend, the attorney general must work with the employee to amicably transfer representation to the successor counsel chosen by the employee.

Hawaii HB166 clarifies the State's duty to defend professionally licensed or certified employees in civil actions.

Hawaii HB166 amends Chapter 662, Hawaii Revised Statutes, to clarify the State's duty to defend professionally licensed or certified state employees from civil actions when the employee's actions were within the scope of employment and were not grossly negligent or wanton, provided the employee is cooperating with the State's defense. The bill also allows these employees to employ their own attorneys at their own expense. If the State declines to defend, the attorney general must work with the employee to amicably transfer representation to the successor counsel chosen by the employee.