The prosecuting attorney of any county except a county with a population of one million or more may enter into an agreement with the attorney general whereby the duty to initiate petitions for support authorized under the provisions of *chapter
26.21 RCW as it is now or hereafter amended (**Uniform Reciprocal Enforcement of Support Act) in cases where the petitioner has applied for or is receiving public assistance on behalf of a dependent child or children shall become the duty of the attorney general. Any such agreement may also provide that the attorney general has the duty to represent the petitioner in intercounty proceedings within the state initiated by the attorney general which involve a petition received from another county. Upon the execution of such agreement, the attorney general shall be empowered to exercise any and all powers of the prosecuting attorney in connection with said petitions.