DIGEST
The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the
legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law
or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)]
HR 13 Engrossed 2020 Regular Session Gregory Miller
Abstract: Prohibits HLS staff from providing staff support to any special study commission or like
entity except under specific circumstances and removes a duty of the Clerk to supervise and
direct all House employees and to report to the Speaker the failure of any employee or of the
Sergeant-at-Arms to perform his duties.
Present House Rule (House Rule 3.5) provides that the Subcommittee on Personnel of the House
Executive Committee (subcommittee) is responsible for the employment and supervision of a
research, drafting, and committee staff for the House of Representatives, designated as House
Legislative Services (HLS). Provides that HLS's purpose is the provision of research, drafting, and
similar legislative services to the House of Representatives, its members, and committees. Provides
for the duties of HLS employees, including the performance of all duties the subcommittee may
deem essential to the work of the House, the legislature, and the members thereof.
Proposed House Rule retains present House Rule and adds that HLS staff is prohibited from
providing staff support to any special study commission, task force, or like entity unless a majority
of its membership is composed of members of the House of Representatives and then only upon the
explicit direction of the Speaker. Further adds that the duties of HLS employees include those the
Speaker deems essential to the work of the House, the legislature, and the members thereof.
Present House Rule (House Rule 2.10) provides that one of the duties of the Clerk throughout the
year is to supervise and direct all House employees and to report to the Speaker the failure of any
employee or of the Sergeant-at-Arms to perform his duties. Proposed House Rule removes this duty
from the duties of the Clerk.
(Amends House Rule 3.5(A); Repeals House Rule 2.10(D)(5))