Bill: Draft Legislative Service Commission Act

[Anthony_Org]

A
BILL
To

Establish the Legislative Service Commission to provide legal drafting and research support to the Congress of the Commonwealth of Redmont.​

The people of the Commonwealth of Redmont, through their elected Representatives in the Congress and by the force of law ordained to that Congress by the people through the Constitution, do hereby enact the following provisions into law:

1 – Short Title and Enactment

(1) This Act may be cited as the Legislative Service Commission Act.

(2) This Act shall be enacted immediately upon its signing into law.

(3) This Act has been authored by Representative Anthony_org.

(4) This Act has been cosponsored by Representative Scassany.

2 – Reasons

(1) Congress requires a permanent and impartial body to support its lawmaking and oversight duties.

(2) A Legislative Service Commission (LSC) will enhance the efficiency and professionalism of Congress.

(3) Many Members of Congress lack formal legal training; the LSC will provide essential expertise to ensure bills are constitutional and enforceable.

3 – Establishment of the Commission

(1) There shall be established an independent, non-partisan body known as the Legislative Service Commission (LSC).

(a) The LSC shall operate as the principal legal and drafting service of Congress.

(b) The LSC shall be accountable to Congress collectively, not to any single party, chamber, or member.

4 – Composition

(1) The LSC shall be composed of the following:
(a) A Director of Legislative Services, who shall be the head of the Commission;
(b) Professional staff, including attorneys, researchers, analysts, and clerks, as authorized by law and funded through appropriations.

(2) The Director of Legislative Services shall be:
(a) Appointed by joint resolution of Congress;
(b) Required to be a qualified attorney;
(c) Prohibited from holding elected office or a leadership role in a political party during their tenure.

(3) Staff of the LSC:
(a) Shall be hired on the basis of merit, expertise, and professional qualifications;
(b) Shall not engage in partisan political activity while serving the Commission;
(c) Shall serve in a neutral capacity to support the work of all Members of Congress equally.

5 – Powers and Duties

(1) The LSC shall provide the following services:
(a) Legal research and drafting support for bills and resolutions;
(b) Impartial research on law and policy to aid legislators.

(2) The LSC may employ staff, researchers, and clerks as authorized by congressional appropriations.

(3) The LSC shall maintain neutrality and may not engage in political campaigning or advocacy.

6 – Leadership and Officers

(1) The Director of Legislative Services shall oversee the day-to-day operations of the Commission.

(2) The Director shall report directly to Congress on all activities, finances, and services provided.

7 – Oversight and Accountability

(1) The LSC shall maintain accurate records of its activities, including staff appointments, research provided, and expenditures.

(2) A full report of the LSC’s operations shall be presented to Congress once every month and shall be made publicly available.

8 – Funding

(1) The LSC shall be funded through appropriations made by Congress.

(2) Funds shall be used exclusively for the purposes of staffing, research, and legal drafting.

(3) Misuse of funds shall constitute a breach of integrity under existing law.

9 – Transition

Upon enactment of this Act, a thirty (30) day transition period shall begin to establish the Commission, appoint its Director, and allocate its budget.

10 – Breach of Integrity

(1) Any member or staff of the LSC found to have misused their office, disclosed confidential legislative information, or acted with political bias in the performance of their duties shall be guilty of a breach of integrity.

(2) Such breaches shall be subject to disciplinary measures as determined by Congress and existing law.