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

  • Establishes the Office of Legislative Support Services.

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 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.