County OKs three‑year Westlaw subscription with limited AI features for district attorney’s office

The Lyon County Board approved a three‑year legal research subscription with Westlaw for the district attorney’s office after a brief discussion about AI features and cost.

Morris Seabrai (the district attorney present on the transcript) and District Attorney Steven Wright (who later presented other DA items) discussed the contract. The agreement is for a three‑year term with monthly charges that increase each year: $2,376 per month in year one, $2,447.28 per month in year two and $2,520.70 per month in year three. The district attorney said the contract includes AI features "to a limited extent" and that more expensive AI options were available but were not included in the county’s purchase.

District Attorney Morris Seabrai told the board the contract was pulled for discussion because he wanted to make sure the county had evaluated AI options; he was satisfied that a limited AI component was included and that the county had opted not to purchase more expensive AI add‑ons.

County counsel confirmed a bridge term error in the packet: because the board was considering the contract in May, Westlaw provided a reduced rate for a 5‑month bridge period (the packet had mistakenly listed six months); the change was clerical and would be corrected prior to execution, counsel said. The contract was included in the tentative budget and the board authorized the county manager to sign the agreement with the correction.

Why it matters: The district attorney’s office will have a standardized, electronic legal research platform with an AI‑assisted feature set; commissioners asked that staff ensure prudent, cost‑effective use of AI services.

The board voted to approve the contract; the motion passed 5–0.