161769129D12DC74872584D300641857 Hearing Summary

Sharon Eubanks, Director, Office of Legislative Legal Services, testified before the Committee on a proposed draft policy for approval of legal representation in lawsuits involving social media accounts.

Senator Lee explained his reasoning for asking for a draft policy to be created for Committee discussion.

Senator Gardner commented on the proposal.

Representative Herod talked about the proposed policy and how fast social media platforms change and because of that not being able to know what will happen in the future.

Representative Tipper expressed her opinion that there are problems with the proposed policy.

Representative Soper commented on the proposed policy and talked about how there is, in his view, a presumption of retention of counsel for members of the General Assembly.

Representative Snyder commented on the proposal that he thought that training on how to deal with social media is where the focus should be.

Senator Lee and Ms. Eubanks discussed the training of aides and staff on managing social media accounts.

Senator Gardner and Representative Herod discussed the proposal.

Senator Lee proposed that instead of the proposed policy, the Committee issue a communication to members explaining that the Committee will strictly scrutinize all requests for retention of counsel that arise from social media issues. Ms. Eubanks clarified what needs to be done moving forward. Senator Gardner commented on what he thinks should be communicated to members of the General Assembly.

Representative Van Winkle talked about supporting members and how it would be better to educate members and not threaten them.