HOUSE RESOLUTION NO. 91-4694, by Representatives Ebersole and Ballard.

     WHEREAS, The 1991 Regular Session of the Fifty-second Legislature is drawing to a close; and

     WHEREAS, It is necessary to provide for the continuation of the work of the House after its adjournment and during the interim periods between legislative sessions;

     NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, By the House of Representatives, That the Executive Rules Committee is created, which shall consist of the Speaker and four additional members who shall be appointed by the Speaker from the Rules Committee.  The Chief Clerk of the House shall be the nonvoting secretary of the committee; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Executive Rules Committee may assign subject matters and bills, memorials, and resolutions to authorized committees for study during the interim, and the Speaker may create special and select committees as may be necessary to carry out the functions, including interim studies, of the House in an orderly manner and appoint members to them with the approval of the Executive Rules Committee; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That during the interim the Executive Rules Committee shall authorize schedules and locations for meetings of any authorized committee or subcommittee, and such committees or subcommittees may conduct hearings and scheduling without a quorum being present; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That during the interim, authorized committees have the power of subpoena, the power to administer oaths, and the power to issue commissions for the examination of witnesses in accordance with chapter 44.16 RCW if and when specifically authorized by the Executive Rules Committee for specific purposes and specific subjects; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives shall complete the work of the Fifty-second Legislature during interim periods, and all details that arise therefrom, including the editing, indexing, and publishing of the journal of the House; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Chief Clerk shall see that the House Chamber, adjoining rooms, members' offices, furniture, and equipment are clean and in good order, and make the necessary inventory of furnishings, fixtures, and supplies; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Chief Clerk may approve vouchers of the members of the House, covering expenses incurred during the interim for official business of the Legislature or in preparation for the sessions of the Legislature and organizational duties in connection therewith, at the per diem rate provided by RCW 44.04.120, for each day or major portion thereof, plus mileage at the rate established by law; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Chief Clerk shall, during the interim, and as authorized by the Speaker and the Employment Committee, retain or hire any necessary employees, order necessary supplies, equipment, and printing to enable the House to carry out its work promptly and efficiently, and accept committee reports, committee bills, prefiled bills, memorials, and resolutions as directed by the Rules of the House and by Joint Rules of the Legislature; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Chief Clerk shall make out the necessary vouchers upon which warrants are drawn for the final payment of all expenses in connection with the closing business and for any other business of the House of Representatives; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the State Treasurer shall draw warrants for the payment of salaries, per diem, in-lieu payments, and reimbursements of and to the members of the House of Representatives, the elected officers of the House of Representatives, and the employees each month upon vouchers approved by the Speaker and the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives, and shall also deliver the warrants to the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives for delivery or mailing to those entitled thereto; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Speaker and the Chief Clerk may authorize the attendance of members and staff members at such courses or meetings as may be deemed pertinent and may authorize the expenditure of registration or tuition fees and reimbursement for subsistence and travel for that purpose; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That members of the Legislature be reimbursed for expenses incurred in attending such conferences, meetings, and continuing education courses at the rate prescribed by RCW 44.04.120, plus mileage to and from the conferences, meetings, and courses at the rate established by law, except that if travel was by means of common carrier then only actual fare may be claimed, which reimbursements shall be paid on their vouchers from any appropriation made to the House of Representatives for legislative expenses; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That employees of the Legislature be reimbursed for expenses incurred in attending such conferences, meetings, and continuing education courses at the rate prescribed by RCW 43.03.050, plus mileage to and from the conferences, meetings, and courses at the rate established by law, except that if travel was by means of common carrier then only actual fare may be claimed, which reimbursement shall be paid on their vouchers out of funds appropriated for legislative expenses; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That during the interim periods the use of the House Chamber, any of its committee rooms, members' offices, or any of the furniture or furnishings therein, shall not be granted to anyone without the permission of the Speaker and the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Chief Clerk may express the sympathy of the House by sending flowers when the necessity arises; and

     BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That this Resolution applies throughout the Fifty-second Legislative Assembly.