When deemed necessary or advisable to protect the official interests of the Legislative Assembly, one or more legislative committees, or one or more members of the Legislative Assembly, the Legislative Counsel Committee may direct the Legislative Counsel and the staff of the Legislative Counsel, or may retain any member of the Oregon State Bar, to appear in, commence, prosecute or defend any action, suit, matter, cause or proceeding in any court or agency of this state or of the United States. Expenses and costs incurred pursuant to this section may be paid by the committee from any funds available to the committee.
ORS 173.135