SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6509
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As of January 27, 2012
Title: An act relating to the consolidation of legislative support functions into an office of legislative support services.
Brief Description: Creating the office of legislative support services.
Sponsors: Senators Fraser and Parlette.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Ways & Means: 2/01/12.
SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS |
Staff: Steve Jones (786-7440)
Background: In addition to the Senate and the House of Representatives, the legislative branch of state government consists of several statutory legislative agencies. The legislative agencies include:
Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee – conducts performance audits, program evaluations, special studies, and program sunset reviews;
Statute Law Committee – publishes the Revised Code of Washington and the Washington Administrative Code; provides a central bill-drafting service;
Joint Transportation Committee – serves as the joint fact-finding committee on transportation issues;
Office of the State Actuary – provides actuarial services relating to state retirement systems and other programs;
Joint Legislative Systems Committee – administers legislative information processing and communications systems; and
Legislative Evaluation and Accountability Program Committee – provides information and technology with respect to budgets and revenue.
The Senate, House of Representatives, and legislative agencies each employ professional and administrative support staff.
Summary of Bill: The Office of Legislative Support Services is established to provide administrative and support services to the Senate, House of Representatives, Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee, Statute Law Committee, Joint Transportation Committee, Office of the State Actuary, Joint Legislative Systems Committee, and Legislative Evaluation and Accountability Program Committee. These services include facility management, production and audio-visual services, information distribution, and other administrative and support services.
The director of the Office of Legislative Support Services is appointed jointly by the Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives and the Secretary of the Senate. The director is authorized to employ additional staff. The Office of Legislative Support Services is subject to the operational policies, procedures, and oversight of the Facilities and Operations Committee of the Senate and the Executive Rules Committee of the House of Representatives.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Requested on January 25, 2012.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on July 1, 2012.