Legislative Council staff reports: bill counts, RLPS rollout and $7.5M concourse repair announced

Director Casebeer delivered an administrative report covering 2026 session metrics, staffing needs, technology projects and facilities work.

Casebeer said 610 bills were introduced in the 2026 session, 880 bills were drafted, 74 bills passed both chambers and 71 were signed by the governor; staff also drafted 180 certificates during the session. The Legislative Council Service is assessing hiring needs and indicated capacity to hire up to three new staff attorney drafters.

On technology, Casebeer described ongoing user acceptance testing for a roundhouse legislation and publications system (RLPS) intended to streamline bill filing, enrollment/engrossing and publications; the goal is to have RLPS operational for the 2027 session. LCS is also planning an integrated capital outlay request system to improve data for Legislative Finance Committee and standing finance committees.

Casebeer announced a concourse refurbishment project for the Capitol North, noting the first phase will address severe water intrusion into the underground garage. The contracted cost is "a little over $7,500,000," with North Side completion slated for December; staff said the Capitol will remain open during work and that noise mitigation and alternative meeting locations will be considered when committees meet.

Members asked about timing for the next council meeting and urged attention to hiring staff with subject expertise (broadband, cybersecurity, AI). The council set a tentative June meeting for review of interim work plans and asked staff to coordinate logistics and further legal review on requested items.

Next steps: LCS will continue RLPS user acceptance testing, finalize hiring plans for up to three drafters, and manage the capital project schedule and contractor coordination.