24 Hoosier Banker July 2016 GR SPOTLIGHT Officially the Indiana General Assembly is a “part-time” legislature, because our representatives convene to debate and pass legislation during designated and limited time periods. The goal of the parttime legislative structure is to allow legislators to continue with their other professional responsibilities. This model fosters a wide variety of professions and accompanying expertise at the Statehouse, but the part-time label is a misnomer. Most members of the General Assembly serve their districts on a full-time basis, for example by attending community group meetings and public forums throughout the year. In addition to meetings and forums back in their districts, Indiana senators and representatives participate in legislative interim summer study committees. These “off-season” or out-of-session committee meetings give legislators the opportunity to explore the merits of a variety of issues, in preparation for the upcoming General Assembly. Interim summer study committees typically convene in the summer ‒ and often continue into the fall ‒ to study and discuss issues that either were left unresolved from the previous General Assembly, or that need ongoing attention due to their complexity. Committees vary in size, scope and construction. Several interim summer study committees include citizens who are knowledgeable about the issues being studied, while other committees are restricted to legislators. Committee sizes vary, but typically include members from each of the four legislative caucuses (House/Senate Republicans and Democrats). Many interim summer study committees are standing committees that explore issues on an ongoing, yearly basis, as is the case the Interim Study Committee on Financial Institutions and Insurance. Others are created to explore specific issues, then dissolve after completion of their duties. In both cases the Indiana Legislature determines the duration of the committee, and which issues should be studied. Topics assigned to interim summer study committees are generally pertinent matters that have been debated or will be debated in the upcoming General Assembly. It is The Season of Legislative Summer Study Committees Convenes About the Author Dax Denton is senior vice president-government relations of the Indiana Bankers Association. He can be reached at 317-917-8047, email: ddenton@indianabankers.org.
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