Interim Study Procedure
Although the Legislative Council has the authority to initiate studies or other action deemed necessary between legislative sessions, much of the Council's work results from study resolutions passed by both houses. The usual procedure is for the Council to designate committees to carry out the interim studies. A few Council committees, including the Administrative Rules Committee, the Education Finance Committee, the Electric Utilities Committee, the Employee Benefits Programs Committee, the Garrison Diversion Overview Committee, the Legislative Audit and Fiscal Review Committee, and the Legislative Ethics Committee are statutory committees with duties imposed by state law.
Regardless of the source of authority of interim committees, the Council appoints the members. Nearly all committees consist entirely of legislators, although a few citizen members are sometimes selected to serve when it is determined they can provide special expertise or insight for a study.
The Council committees hold meetings throughout the interim at which members hear testimony, review information and materials provided by staff, other state agencies, and interested persons and organizations, and consider alternatives. Occasionally, it is necessary for the Council to contract with universities, consulting firms, or outside professionals on specialized studies and projects. However, the vast majority of studies are handled entirely by the Council staff.
Committees make their reports to the full Legislative Council, usually in November preceding a regular legislative session. The Council may accept, amend, or reject a committee's report. The Legislative Council then presents the recommendations it has accepted, together with bills and resolutions necessary to implement them, to the Legislative Assembly.
On May 15, 2007, the Council selected the 2007-08 interim studies conducted by the 2007-08 interim committees.
