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Committee backs ban on private practice for Grafton County attorney
Summary
After testimony from sponsors and prosecutors, the committee voted unanimously to recommend that HB 1003, which would prohibit the Grafton County attorney from private practice, ought to pass.
The Municipal and County Government Committee voted to recommend HB 1003 as "ought to pass" after sponsors argued the county attorney role should be a full public trust without private practice.
Prime sponsor Representative McFarland told the committee HB 1003 would bring Grafton County into alignment with several other counties that already ban private practice for their county attorneys, saying the role carries "exceptional trust and authority." Supporters including Representative Joseph Barton and witnesses with office experience said private practice risks real and perceived conflicts of interest and can erode public confidence.
Committee members moved the "ought to pass" recommendation in executive session; the roll call vote was 14–0. The committee noted the bill preserves narrow family exceptions appearing in other statutes and would not prevent pro bono service or necessary public duties.
