SENATE BILL REPORT
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. |
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Ways & Means, February 20, 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: Representatives Sullivan and Kretz.
Brief History: Passed House: 2/09/12, 97-0.
Committee Activity: Ways & Means: 2/20/12 [DP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON WAYS & MEANS |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Murray, Chair; Kilmer, Vice Chair, Capital Budget Chair; Zarelli, Ranking Minority Member; Parlette, Ranking Minority Member Capital; Brown, Conway, Fraser, Harper, Hatfield, Hewitt, Keiser, Padden, Pridemore, Regala, Schoesler and Tom.
Staff: Steve Jones (786-7440)
Background: The Secretary of the Senate and Chief Clerk of the House of Representatives oversee a variety of administrative functions provided to legislators and staff in support of the Legislature’s constitutional mission. These administrative functions include services such as legislative facility operations, the Legislative Information Center, design and production of documents, photographic and video services, audio-visual services, supplies, and oversight of the Legislative Gift Center. Some of these services are provided to the other statutorily created legislative agencies as well. In some cases, the management of an administrative function has evolved into a joint responsibility of the Senate and House of Representatives, while other services are provided through separate service delivery arrangements in each chamber.
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.
Summary of Bill: The Office of Legislative Support Services is established to provide administrative and support services to the Senate, House of Representatives, and other legislative agencies. These services include legislative 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.
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: The bill takes effect on July 1, 2012.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: No public hearing was held.
Persons Testifying: N/A.