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JFAC debates extra bill drafter for Legislative Services; accepts language to move budget calendar earlier and review interagency billing
Summary
Committee considered and sent to the Senate a motion to add a bill‑drafting attorney to the Legislative Services Office; committee also approved language asking the governor to transmit the 2027 budget earlier and directing LSO to review interagency billing and a new statewide budget platform.
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee considered two related Legislative Services Office items on March 24: a staffing request to add one bill‑drafting attorney and language asking the governor and LSO to take steps to improve the budget timeline and interagency billing practices.
Representative (cochair) moved to add one full‑time bill‑drafting attorney and $129,000 to the FY2026 budget for Legislative Services Office enhancement number 1. Supporters argued that LSO staffing is lean compared with neighboring states and that additional drafting capacity would prevent LSO staff from being overburdened during the session. Opponents said the broader state budget picture requires restraint and questioned whether the Legislature should add staff when many agencies have faced cuts. The motion passed the committee overall but failed to secure a majority in the Senate committee delegation and therefore was not approved by both committees during this meeting; the motion will be considered further by the Senate.
Separately, committee members approved language directing the governor to transmit the 2027 budget recommendation earlier (to give legislative staff more time before session), asked LSO to conduct a statewide review of interagency reimbursements, and instructed LSO to explore a new statewide budget submission platform. Committee language also contemplates the ability to bill executive‑branch agencies for LSO work on executive branch legislation. The language motion passed the committee with near‑unanimous support (19 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent excused).
Why it matters: LSO drafts bills and prepares budget materials used across the Legislature. Members said earlier receipt of the governor’s proposed budget and a statewide review of interagency billing could improve transparency, reduce duplicated effort, and relieve overtime pressure on LSO staff.
Votes and outcomes: The motion to add one bill‑drafting attorney ($129,000) passed the committee’s House side but failed to achieve a majority in the Senate delegation during the committee vote and was not carried as approved business; the language directing earlier transmittal and agency review passed 19–0 (one absent excused).
Sources: Remarks and roll calls from Keith Bybee, division manager for budget and policy analysis, and committee members; committee packet (blue packet) presented March 24.
