Bill Summary for Bill Number Introduction by Fiscal Analysts and OLLS Staff

Date: 01/15/2015

Final
BILL SUMMARY for Introduction by Fiscal Analysts and OLLS Staff

COMMITTEE ON JOINT HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Votes: View-->	Action Taken:
<none>	<none>

01:32 PM -- Introduction by Fiscal Analyst and the Office of Legislative Legal Services

Senator Lundberg, chairman, called the meeting to order. Lauren Schreier, Fiscal Analyst, Legislative Council Staff, discussed the role of the fiscal analysts and explained the fiscal note. She explained that a bill's fiscal note is a tool to help legislators make informed decisions about the legislation. She stated that fiscal notes are generally released to the bill sponsor 48 hours prior to the scheduled committee hearing, and released to all members 24 hours prior to the committee meeting. Ms. Schreier clarified that this timeline may vary during the last days of session. Ms. Schreier explained that fiscal analysts consider information from the effected state departments and stakeholders but ultimately prepare an independent, unbiased analysis of the fiscal impact of the legislation. Ms. Schreier explained that the text of the fiscal note identifies the assumptions used by the analyst in preparing the note, and that if any information in the note is unclear, legislators may discuss concerns with the analyst. She also explained that fiscal notes for bills that contain a fee or revenue impact will have a TABOR impact section. Ms. Schreier told the committee that fiscal analysts will try to attend all committee hearings.

Duane Gall, Managing Senior Attorney, Office of Legislative Legal Services (OLLS), introduced other OLLS staff members, and discussed the role of OLLS staff. He explained that the core functions of OLLS are bill and amendment drafting, and providing legal advice for the members. Mr. Gall provided a handout (Attachment A) that explains the ancillary materials and services provided by OLLS to the member of the General Assembly. Some of the ancillary materials provided by OLLS include: tables comparing bill provisions; explanations of state or federal statutes; summaries of case law; legislative histories of issues or bills; and legal opinions regarding legislation. Mr. Gall explained that OLLS may provide both informal and formal legal opinions to members of the General Assembly.

150115 AttachA.pdf