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Bill to end requirement to sell printed bills advances as committee hears staff efficiency case
Summary
Representative Steve Fitzpatrick told the House Legislative Administration Committee HB110 would remove the requirement to sell printed bills, direct Legislative Services to provide electronic versions and one free printed copy on request, citing staff workload and about $400 in past sales; informational witnesses described print-shop operations.
Representative Steve Fitzpatrick opened the hearing on House Bill 110, presented at the request of the Legislative Council, saying the measure would remove a statutory requirement that staff sell printed copies of bills and instead require Legislative Services to provide electronic copies and a free paper copy on request.
Fitzpatrick said the change is intended to reduce staff time spent handling small sales and deposits. “Over the whole interim last time… we made a grand total of $400,” he said, adding staff handling and deposit procedures create disproportionate workload relative to revenue.
Rachel Weiss, research director for Legislative Services Division and supervisor of the print shop, served as an informational witness. Weiss said some lobbyists and members still appreciate a hard copy, particularly early versions when online line numbers can differ; the print shop would continue to produce copies and would provide free copies on request. Weiss noted that larger printing costs are budgeted in House Bill 1 and that the $400 represents revenue from selling copies, not the full cost of operating the print shop.
Committee members asked for clarification on who requests printed bills and the actual cost impact. Weiss deferred exact cost accounting for some print-shop costs to the print-shop staff but said the number of purchased copies has declined and that eliminating sales paperwork would reduce staff workload while preserving free access to a physical copy for those who need it.
No opponents appeared. The sponsor closed the hearing and no committee vote on HB110 was recorded during this session.
