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Joint committee rejects one additional LSO bill‑drafting attorney after split vote
Summary
A motion to add one full‑time bill‑drafting attorney in the Legislative Services Office failed to gain a majority in both committee components; proponents said workload growth and rising bill counts drove the request, while opponents urged restraint and suggested limiting bill filings.
BOISE — The Joint Finance‑Appropriations Committee considered and rejected a request to add one full‑time bill‑drafting attorney to the Legislative Services Office (LSO).
Representative Tanner moved to add one FTE and $128,500 from the general fund for an additional bill drafting attorney. Proponents said LSO staff are strained by high bill volumes and amendment work: Senator Wintrow referenced growth in annual bill and amendment counts and Representative Tanner said analysts told him they were “1 person short” to meet current demand.
Opponents said legislators should exercise restraint. Senator Ziderfeld argued the Legislature should limit how many bills members file rather than expand staff. Representative Petzke said the committee had consistently limited other agencies’ requests and said he was uneasy adding staff beyond agency submissions.
The motion failed on a tied combined vote: the Senate panel recorded five ayes and five nays; the House panel similarly reported five ayes and five nays, producing a combined 10–10 tie that did not carry a majority in both committee components.
Why it matters: LSO supports drafting, research and floor assistance for all lawmakers. Committee debate highlighted a tension between rising legislative workload and requests to expand staff capacity at the non‑executive branch of state government.
The committee left open the possibility of reconsidering the request later in the session; cochairs said they would evaluate work‑group needs and may revisit staffing if required.
