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Committee considers LSO staffing increase and adopts language asking earlier governor budget transmittal and statewide billing review
Summary
The committee debated a proposal to add one bill-drafting attorney to Legislative Services Office (LSO) and approved language requesting the governor transmit the 2027 budget earlier, directing LSO to review interagency reimbursements and explore a new statewide budget platform.
The Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee on March 24 debated and acted on separate items for the Legislative Services Office (LSO): a motion to add one full-time bill-drafting attorney and related funding, and committee language asking the governor to transmit future budgets earlier and commissioning two LSO studies.
Staffing motion: the committee considered adding one FTE and $129,000 in fiscal year 2026 to hire an additional bill-drafting attorney. The House side supported the motion, but the Senate did not; the combined vote totaled 13 ayes and 7 nays and the motion failed to win a majority in the Senate. Committee discussion noted LSO is lean compared with other states and that drafting demand has increased sharply.
Language package: the committee approved language asking the governor to transmit the 2027 budget recommendation earlier (to allow LSO more time for drafting), directing LSO to conduct a statewide review of interagency reimbursements (transactions where agencies reimburse one another for shared services or personnel costs), and authorizing LSO to explore a new statewide budget submission platform to replace the current system. The language passed with a combined committee total of 19 ayes, 0 nays, 1 absent/excused and will carry a due-pass recommendation.
Keith Bybee, division manager for budget and policy analysis, presented the language and explained the intent to reduce late-season pressure on LSO by receiving budget submissions earlier and to inventory interagency reimbursements. Committee members emphasized staff workload; one co-chair said the earlier transmission could help LSO staff "enjoy Christmas" without an exceptionally compressed schedule.
The committee also discussed the possibility of billing executive-branch agencies for LSO work on executive branch legislation; staff said that option could be explored in follow-up language if the committee desires.
