Since 1968, the Commission on the Legislative Process has worked diligently to improve techniques and procedures for processing legislation, modernizing legislative facilities, providing adequate staffing for the General Assembly, and properly compensating legislators for their service to the Commonwealth. This Commission report concludes eight years of the most thorough examination of the legislative process to date.

The successful operation of the legislative machinery has been facilitated greatly by the General Assembly's implementation of the Commission's recommendations. Some of the major changes in the legislative process include: annual sessions; streamlining standing committees; full-time professional staff; better physical facilities for office space, committee rooms and staff quarters; increased compensation for legislators; computerized information services and bill preparation; control over the preparation of the legislative budget; the creation of the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission; and, administrative assistants for legislators. Several other changes, including those facilitating the processing of legislation, have enhanced the efficiency of the General Assembly.

In the Commission's Interim Report of 1975 to the General Assembly, certain recommendations regarding centralized staffing for standing committees from within the Division of Legislative Services were recognized as necessary steps for the optimum coordination and utilization of staff. To that end, House Joint Resolution No.196 of 1975 was passed by both houses of the General Assembly (see Appendix 1).

Further modifications, primarily procedural changes, are hereby recommended by the Commission which feels these changes will further the efficient conduct of legislative business and enhance the utilization of the permanent staffing arrangement recommended by the Commission and adopted by the General Assembly last session.

RECOMMENDATIONS:

1. The General Assembly should not accept any study report for consideration if not submitted prior to October 1 of the preceding year.

2. No study bill or resolution shall be introduced later than the tenth day of the session, unless requested by the Governor or allowed by the unanimous consent of the house wherein such bill or resolution is sought.

3. No bill or resolution introduced for non-study purposes shall be amended into a study resolution or bill unless requested by the Governor or allowed by the unanimous consent of the house wherein such amendment is sought.

4. The rules of each house should incorporate a provision for the payment of a citizen's expenses when such citizen serves on a standing committee study.

5. The Rules Committees of the House and Senate should review carefully study requests and, as far as practicable, refer them to standing committees for study during the interim.