Rhode Island Code of Regulations Title 160 - Permanent Joint Committee on Legislative Services
Rhode Island Code of Regulations Title 160 is dedicated to the Permanent Joint Committee on Legislative Services (JCLS). This committee is a crucial administrative body within the Rhode Island General Assembly, responsible for its overall financial and operational management.
The core purpose of the JCLS, as outlined in Title 160 and further detailed in the Rhode Island General Laws (specifically R.I.G.L. 22-11-1 et seq.), is to govern the Legislative Department in its exercise of financial and personnel control, independent of the Executive Department. This independence is a key principle, ensuring the legislative branch can manage its own affairs without undue influence from the executive.
Here's a breakdown of the key aspects typically covered in OAR Title 160:
1. Purpose and Authority (Rule I - 1.1 & 1.2):
To govern the Legislative Department: The overarching goal is to provide internal financial and personnel control for all permanent and continuing offices or agencies within the Legislative Department that receive specific appropriations.
Independence: Emphasizes the JCLS's role in ensuring the legislative branch operates independently in its financial and personnel matters.
Statutory Basis: The regulations are adopted under the authority granted by the Rhode Island General Laws.
2. Composition of the Committee:
The JCLS is a joint committee, meaning it includes members from both the House of Representatives and the Senate.
As per R.I.G.L. 22-11-1, it typically consists of:
The Speaker of the House of Representatives (who usually serves as Chairman).
The House Majority Leader.
The House Minority Leader.
The President of the Senate (who serves as Vice Chairman).
The Senate Minority Leader.
This composition ensures bipartisan and bicameral representation in the oversight of legislative services.
3. Financial Control (Rule II):
Budget Request: All legislative agencies, committees, and commissions must submit expenditure estimates to the JCLS Administrative Office. The JCLS reviews these requests.
Work Program: The JCLS Administrative Office provides the State Budget Office with a work program of expected legislative expenditures.
Appropriation Allotments: The State Budget Office makes appropriation allotments for legislative accounts as submitted by the JCLS.
Budgetary Control: The State Budget Officer and State Controller generally exercise no budgetary control over legislative agencies beyond ensuring the legality and accuracy of expenditures. This highlights the legislative branch's fiscal autonomy.
Transfers of Funds: Procedures for requesting and approving transfers of funds between appropriation items within the Legislative Department.
4. Personnel Control (Rule III):
Authority to Establish Positions: The JCLS has the authority to establish positions, determine salaries, and appoint professional, technical, clerical, and contractual personnel within the Legislative Department.
Salary Determination: Consideration is given to equating job duties and responsibilities with similar positions in the unclassified service of the state when determining salaries.
Employment Conditions: Employees of the Legislative Department are typically in the unclassified service of the state and are entitled to associated rights, benefits, and privileges.
5. Administrative Services (Rule IV):
Procuring Services: The JCLS is responsible for procuring various services for the General Assembly and its members and staff, including:
Printing (stationery, bills, journals, calendars, laws, etc.).
Office space (reviewing requirements, assigning, reassigning, and procuring additional space).
Supplies and equipment.
Professional and technical assistance.
Electronic Services and Products (R.I.G.L. 22-11-3.1): The JCLS is authorized to adopt rules to provide electronic services and products to elected members and incrementally make legislative information accessible, including:
Member and committee lists.
Bill history and status.
Calendars.
Text of bills.
General Laws and Rhode Island Constitution.
Senate and House journals.
Electronic Voting and Sound Systems: Exclusive responsibility for the purchase, rental, installation, upkeep, and maintenance of electronic voting devices and sound systems for the House and Senate chambers.
6. Other Responsibilities:
Oversight of JCLS Departments: The JCLS oversees various departments and offices that provide support services to the General Assembly.
Assistance to Individual Legislators: Provides assistance with payroll, benefits, supply requests, travel arrangements, and mileage reimbursements.
Where to Find the Official Rhode Island Code of Regulations Title 160:
Rhode Island Department of State – Regulations Database: This is the most authoritative source for Rhode Island's administrative regulations. You can search for "Title 160" or "Permanent Joint Committee on Legislative Services."
Rhode Island General Assembly Website: The official website of the Rhode Island General Assembly often provides information about the JCLS, its functions, and links to relevant statutes (like R.I.G.L. 22-11) and rules.
Reviewing Title 160 provides insight into the administrative backbone of the Rhode Island General Assembly, highlighting its self-governing nature in terms of finances and personnel.
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