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Proposal to let legislators hire part‑time assistants held for further work
Summary
Representative Wilcox presented HJR17 to allow members to hire part‑time staff to improve constituent service and legislative responsiveness. Members praised the intent but raised fiscal and full‑time legislature concerns; the committee voted to hold the measure for further study.
Representative Casey Wilcox told members the legislature needs more sustainable staffing to meet constituents’ expectations during and between sessions.
"This would allow each of us to hire a part‑time person that we would select," Wilcox said, describing HJR17 as a way to improve responsiveness without converting the Legislature to a full‑time body. He argued that current resources leave many constituents waiting for days for a response and that modest, directed staff support would help lawmakers perform duties year‑round.
Colleagues generally welcomed the idea but flagged the fiscal note. Representative Burton called the concept "brilliant" but noted concern about the immediate fiscal impact. Representative Jason Peterson and others worried that expanding staff could nudge the institution toward a full‑time legislature and that hours and cost details needed clearer boundaries.
Representative Wilcox offered a substitute motion to hold while the committee continues conversations about hours, costs and guardrails. After waived summations, a voice vote on the substitute motion to hold passed unanimously.
The committee did not advance HJR17; sponsors and members signaled they will continue to discuss fiscal details and possible amendments.
