10-1-1018. Referral of complaint to state attorney general. (1) A complaint that could not be successfully resolved pursuant to 10-1-1016 must be referred by the department to the state attorney general if the complainant requests the referral pursuant to 10-1-1016(4).

(2) (a) Except as provided in subsection (2)(b), if the state attorney general is satisfied that the complaint has merit, the state attorney general may file a lawsuit on behalf of and act as an attorney for the complainant in seeking relief for the complainant.

(b) (i) Except as provided in subsection (2)(b)(ii), if the complaint is against a state agency, as defined in 2-15-102, notwithstanding an arrangement for the provision of legal services to the agency by the department of justice, the agency shall provide or obtain counsel for the agency.

(ii) If the complaint is against the department of justice, the department of administration, notwithstanding an arrangement for the provision of legal services to the department of administration by the department of justice, shall provide or obtain counsel for the department of justice.

(3) If the state attorney general sues pursuant to this section, fees or court costs may not be assessed against the complainant.