Washington State House of Representatives Office of Program Research | BILL ANALYSIS |
State Government & Tribal Affairs Committee |
HB 2705
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. |
Brief Description: Creating the office of legislative support services.
Sponsors: Representatives Sullivan and Kretz.
Brief Summary of Bill |
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Hearing Date: 1/30/12
Staff: Marsha Reilly (786-7135).
Background:
In addition to the Senate and the House of Representatives, the legislative branch of government consists of several legislative agencies that have been created by statute. The legislative agencies include:
the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee (conducts performance audits, program evaluations, special studies, and program sunset reviews);
the Statute Law Committee (publishes the Revised Code of Washington and the Washington Administrative Code; provides a central bill-drafting service);
the Joint Transportation Committee (serves as the joint fact-finding committee on transportation issues);
the Office of the State Actuary (provides actuarial services relating to state retirement systems);
the Joint Legislative Systems Committee (administers legislative information processing and communications systems); and
the Legislative Evaluation and Accountability Program Committee (provides information and technology with respect to budgets and revenue).
The Senate, the 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, the House of Representatives, the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Committee, the Statute Law Committee, the Joint Transportation Committee, the Office of the State Actuary, the Joint Legislative Systems Committee, and the 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: Not requested.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on July 1, 2012.