The Joint State Government Commission is the primary non-partisan research organization that serves the General Assembly.
It provides the legislature with a readily available mechanism for conducting interdisciplinary studies.
The Commission is comprised of a diverse research staff experienced in statistical analysis, survey methods,
report writing, making policy recommendations and drafting legislation.
The Commission's multidisciplinary staff provides services to legislative task forces and advisory committees,
standing committees, and individual legislators.
There are two types of organizational structure that the Commission uses when conducting studies: task force
and staff studies.
Task forces are typically utilized for large, complex areas of study. They consist of members of both the
House and Senate, representing both caucuses. An advisory committee of experts is usually appointed to assist
the task force and Commission. The goal of these studies is to reach consensus on recommendations to propose
to the legislature.
Staff studies are of shorter duration and provide for the Commission to conduct independent research.
The Commission was established as the primary research agency of the General Assembly by Act 459 of 1937.
Leadership of the Commission resides in a 14 member Executive Committee.
, Executive Director