Senators debate Bill 61‑38 to create elected public prosecutor and revert AG to governor appointed position

Senator Parkinson introduced Bill 61‑38 during a June 23 hearing, proposing creation of an elected Office of the Public Prosecutor and a return of the attorney general to a governor‑appointed role. The bill would carve prosecutorial duties out of the Attorney General’s Office, make the public prosecutor an independent, territory‑wide elected position with a four‑year term and bar party affiliation for that office; it also includes provisions for victim assistance funds.

Why it matters: Sponsors and supporters said the measure resolves repeated conflicts that arise when one office provides legal advice to agencies while also prosecuting crimes. Opponents warned the change could reduce the attorney general’s independence, risk politicizing budgets or disrupt existing programs and staff; several witnesses raised concerns about transition costs and asked how existing programs would be funded if prosecutorial functions are spun out.

What sponsors say Senator Parkinson told the committee the bill is meant to preempt conflict rather than rely on ad‑hoc remedies. He…