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Rules Committee discusses preparing for potential 2026 in-house legislative counsel positions
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Summary
Committee members discussed next steps if the 2026 legislative budget includes funding for a majority and minority legislative counsel: possible charter or code amendments, appointment procedures, and timing to have counsel in place by Jan. 1, 2026 if budget approval occurs.
The Rules Committee discussed an item that the legislature’s leadership placed in the proposed 2026 legislative budget: separate legislative‑counsel positions for the majority and the minority. Committee leaders said the discussion is preparatory — to ensure that, if the budget is approved with those positions, procedures for appointment, conflicts and authority are in place before Jan. 1, 2026.
Committee members and legislative counsel noted possible pathways: a county charter amendment, changes to county code, or a combination of both to define the positions’ authority, conflict‑of‑interest rules and relationship to the county attorney (who is statutorily the county’s chief legal advisor). The chair asked legislative counsel to draft options and said the committee would work with the chair and minority leader to develop a transparent appointment process and any statutory language needed.
No formal action was taken; committee members said they wanted public discussion and early drafting so that, should funding be approved in the county budget, the mechanics would be ready for timely implementation.
