SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION No. 44

 

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

 

INTRODUCED MARCH 20, 1997

 

 

By Senator SINAGRA

 

 

A Joint Resolution expressing the sentiment of the Legislature and the Governor that certain attorneys suing the tobacco industry should be compensated for their services out of moneys recovered.

 

Whereas, The Attorney General of New Jersey has retained several private law firms to sue the tobacco industry on behalf of the State; and

Whereas, A recent Superior Court decision has indicated that these attorneys may proceed with representing the State but that any judgment or settlement to be recovered in this matter would belong to the State and could be spent only by the Legislature by way of an appropriation; and

Whereas, The services rendered by these attorneys retained as outside counsel by the Attorney General may result in the recovery of moneys for the State of New Jersey; now, therefore,

 

    Be It Resolved by the Senate and General Assembly of the State of New Jersey:

 

    1. The Legislature and the Governor of the State of New Jersey express the sentiment that the attorneys retained as outside counsel by the Attorney General of New Jersey should be compensated for services rendered out of the proceeds of any judgment or settlement which may be entered against any of the tobacco companies sued on behalf of the State of New Jersey, which judgment or settlement results in moneys received by the State.

 

    2. A duly authenticated copy of this joint resolution shall be transmitted to the Attorney General of the State of New Jersey.

 

    3. This joint resolution shall take effect immediately.

 

STATEMENT

 

    This joint resolution expresses the sentiment of the Legislature and the Governor that the attorneys retained as outside counsel by the Attorney General of the State of New Jersey to sue tobacco companies on behalf of the State should receive compensation for services rendered out of the proceeds of a judgment or settlement which results in the receipt of moneys by the State.

    The sponsor of this joint resolution realizes that it is not binding but believes that it is important to acknowledge the sentiment of this Legislature and this Governor endorsing the concept of payment of these legal fees.

 

 

                             

 

Expresses sentiment of Legislature and Governor concerning compensation for certain outside counsel retained by Attorney General.