The attorney general shall prepare forms for bonds and other contracts and instruments for the use of state officials, boards, and commissions and give legal advice in all matters relating to their official duties, whenever required by the governor, auditor, or secretary of state, or any board or commission created by law. When required by either house of the legislature the attorney general shall give a written opinion upon any question of law. The attorney general similarly shall give a written opinion upon any question of law submitted by a permanent or interim committee or commission of the legislature or of either house of the legislature, including but not limited to an interim committee of the legislature created by law for a county containing a city of the first class.