1. The Commission may employ, or retain on a contract basis, legal counsel who shall:

(a) Except as otherwise provided in subsection 2, be counsel and attorney for the Commission in all actions, proceedings and hearings.

(b) Prosecute in the name of the Commission all civil actions for the enforcement of NRS 702.160 and 702.170 and chapters 704, 704A, 704B, 705 and 708 of NRS and for the recovery of any penalty or forfeiture provided for therein.

(c) Generally aid the Commission in the performance of its duties and the enforcement of NRS 702.160 and 702.170 and chapters 704, 704A, 704B, 705 and 708 of NRS.

2. Each district attorney shall:

(a) Prosecute any violation of chapter 704, 704A, 705, 708 or 711 of NRS for which a criminal penalty is provided and which occurs in the district attorney’s county.

(b) Aid in any investigation, prosecution, hearing or trial held under the provisions of chapter 704, 704A, 705, 708 or 711 of NRS and, at the request of the Commission or its legal counsel, act as counsel and attorney for the Commission.

3. The Attorney General shall, if the district attorney fails or refuses to do so, prosecute all violations of the laws of this state by public utilities under the jurisdiction of the Commission and their officers, agents and employees.

4. The Attorney General is not precluded from appearing in or moving to intervene in any action and representing the interest of the State of Nevada in any action in which the Commission is a party and is represented by independent counsel.

[40:109:1919; 1919 RL p. 3167; NCL § 6141] — (NRS A 1979, 199; 1981, 1677; 1985, 2048; 1997, 1885; 2001, 3239; 2015, 1388, 1413)