Deadline approaches this week to submit proposed language for nonlocal bills to Lege Council
It was made known to legislators earlier this month, but some of the chatter around the Texas Capitol over the last week has centered on the impending unofficial deadline for all non-local bills to be submitted to Lege Council – the Legislature’s law firm.
Staff
Writer
It was made known to legislators earlier this month, but some of the chatter around the Texas Capitol over the last week has centered on the impending unofficial deadline for all non-local bills to be submitted to Lege Council – the Legislature’s law firm.
“Consistent with long-standing practice, the council is setting a deadline for nonlocal bill requests in order to manage our workload,” wrote Lege Council Executive Director Jeff Archer in a memo earlier back on February 3. Archer stressed: “We cannot guarantee timely delivery of any nonlocal bill draft that is requested after 6 p.m. on Friday, February 17.” “As you may be aware, the legislature is requesting and filing legislation at an unprecedented rate. Drafting requests to the council have increased by nearly 20 percent from last session. Despite contending with staffing challenges as many of you have, the council has also produced more drafts than ever for this point in a regular session.” That full memo is here .
Late last year, it was becoming apparent that a staffing crisis was becoming a reality at the building. This appears to be one of the early consequences. Some in the lobby have said they know that certain language had been submitted to Lege Council as early as August and September and has not been sent back.