The political authority of the state is divided into the legislative, executive, and judicial branches of government and subdivisions of cities and counties.  The separation of powers doctrine refers to the division of governmental authority into these distinct branches and the limitation of any branch from exercising the core functions of another branch.  Interactions between these separate but coequal branches of government are generally conducted through the formal processes and proceedings of each branch.  These formal processes are defined and understood by application through the state constitution, statutes, and rules adopted by each branch. 

The Interbranch Advisory Committee (Committee) is created to foster cooperation, communication, coordination, collaboration, and planning regarding issues of mutual concern among the three branches of state government.  Issues of mutual concern include but are not limited to:

• funding legislative mandates;
• initiatives related to access to justice;
• issues of local concern;
• courthouse security; and
• court technology infrastructure.

An additional purpose of the Committee is to suggest ways to provide access to justice and to court services in a just and equitable manner. 

The Committee is composed of the following members:

• two legislative members from the House;
• two legislative members from the Senate;
• a representative of the Governor's office;
• a representative of the Attorney General;
• a representative of the cities;
• a representative of the counties;
• a representative of court clerks; and
• six members of the judicial branch.

The Committee will select co-chairs of one legislative member and one judicial member.  The Committee may set its own schedule.  

The Committee shall submit a recommendation by November 1, 2024, to the appropriate legislative committees on whether the Committee should be renewed or changed in any way.

This act expires January 1, 2026.