Gov. Jim Doyle proposed that a new Division of Legal Services be created in the Department of Administration to provide legal services to all executive branch agencies.

Doyle's proposal would have deleted attorney and legal staff positions in the departments of Revenue, Financial Institutions, the Public Service Commission, Regulation and Licensing and Transportation. Doyle also wanted to create chief legal advisor positions for the departments of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection, Children and Families, Corrections, Health Services, Natural Resources, Transportation and Workforce Development.

The committee rejected Doyle's proposal. In a motion from Sen. Robson, the committee deleted the creation of the Division of Legal Services and chief legal advisor positions.

Also, the motion modified current law to extend the sunset date for 13 attorney positions the DOA secretary is required to delete by June 30 of this year to June 30 of 2011. Eliminating the positions is not required under the motion, but it is permitted.

The motion passed 15-1, with Rep. Vos the lone no vote.

-- By Greg Bump