State of NH Office of Legislative Services - Concord, NH

The Legislative Backbone of New Hampshire

Professional Support for the General Court

The State of New Hampshire Office of Legislative Services (OLS) functions as the non-partisan, professional staff agency dedicated to supporting the New Hampshire General Court. Located within the historic State House in Concord, OLS provides the essential legal, research, and administrative infrastructure required for the drafting and passage of state laws. Unlike elected officials who serve part-time, the OLS staff operates year-round to ensure that the legislative process adheres to statutory requirements and constitutional mandates. Their work is critical in transforming the policy ideas of Representatives and Senators into legally sound bills, resolutions, and amendments.

Bill Drafting and Statutory Revision

The primary responsibility of OLS is the drafting of legislation. When a legislator wishes to propose a new law, they submit a 'Legislative Service Request' (LSR) to this office. Attorneys and legislative drafters within OLS then work to craft the precise language of the bill, ensuring it fits within the existing framework of the Revised Statutes Annotated (RSA) and avoids unintended legal conflicts. This division is also responsible for statutory revision, maintaining the accuracy of the state's legal code, and preparing the technical language for amendments proposed during committee hearings and floor sessions. Their meticulous attention to detail ensures that the laws governing New Hampshire are clear, enforceable, and constitutionally sound.

Research and Committee Staffing

Beyond drafting, the Office of Legislative Services provides comprehensive research capabilities to the legislature. Staff members analyze proposed bills, compare laws with other states, and provide fiscal and legal summaries that help legislators make informed decisions. OLS also provides staffing for the various standing committees of the House and Senate, handling the administrative logistics of public hearings, executive sessions, and committee reports. This support allows the citizen-legislature to function efficiently despite the high volume of bills introduced each session.

Administrative and Support Functions

The office also manages various administrative duties that keep the legislative branch running. This includes the processing of House and Senate journals, the publication of session laws, and the coordination of information technology for the legislative chambers. OLS acts as the institutional memory of the General Court, preserving records and maintaining continuity between legislative sessions. While they do not advocate for specific policies, their objective guidance is indispensable to the democratic process in the Granite State.

• Bill Drafting: Converting legislative ideas into formal legal text (LSRs).
• Legal Research: Providing non-partisan legal analysis and opinions.
• Committee Support: Staffing hearings and managing legislative workflow.
• Code Revision: Maintaining and updating the NH Revised Statutes Annotated.
• Session Laws: Publishing the official acts of the legislature.