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Request for an extra bill‑drafting attorney for Legislative Services Office fails in JFAC
Summary
A committee motion to add one full‑time bill‑drafting attorney to the Legislative Services Office failed on a tie vote after debate about legislative workload and internal restraints.|
A JFAC motion to add one full‑time bill‑drafting attorney to the Legislative Services Office failed on a 10–10 combined committee vote.
Representative Tanner moved the addition, saying LSO staff were "one person short" and the extra attorney would reduce drafting backlogs and overnight workloads. Opponents, including Sen. Ziderfeld and Rep. Petzke, urged internal restraint by lawmakers and questioned adding staff when other agency budgets were being reduced.
LSO director Terry Condiff and division manager Keith Bybee provided detail on workload: Sen. Wintrow cited a session total of 1,133 bills to date and growing amendment counts. Supporters argued the office supports the full legislature and staff capacity affects oversight quality; opponents argued lawmakers should limit bill requests rather than expand staff.
The motion was defeated when the Senate split 5–5 and the House split 5–5, producing a tied committee result. The co‑chairs indicated the request may be considered again later if workgroup consensus emerges.
