The sponsor works with legislative council and a research analyst to prepare and introduce a bill and to shepherd it through the process. The co-chairs of the committee decide the date and time of all hearings, set the agenda, decide issues to be considered, call for a vote on issues, call hearings to order, recess and adjourn hearings. They may create subcommittees, appoint subcommittee chairs and refer issues to subcommittees. The co-chairs sign the report to the Legislature. One research analyst from each body is assigned to the committee, alternating the lead staff responsibilities each year.
Staff facilitates the work of the committee.
All communication should be directed through them. The committee secretary in the Senate or the co-chairman s secretary in the House of Representatives determines member availability for possible hearing dates, keeps current mailing list processes and meeting notices. The committee secretary takes notes at all hearings. In the Senate, the committee secretary mails the transcribed minutes to committee members. In the House of Representatives, the co-chairman s secretary mails the minutes to the members.