Carl N. Everstine, Secretary and Research Director
City Hall, Baltimore 2 Telephone PLaza 2-2000

The Legislative Council, established by the General Assembly in 1939,
consists of twenty members, ten from the Senate and ten from the House
of Delegates. The President of the Senate, the Chairman of the Com-
mittee on Judicial Proceedings, the Chairman of the Finance Committee,
and the Minority Floor Leader are ex officio members from the Senate.
The President of the Senate appoints the remaining six members, at least
two of whom shall be from the minority party; the appointments are sub-
ject to approval by majority vote of the Senate. The Speaker of the
House of Delegates, the Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee,
the Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, and the Minority Floor Leader
are ex officio members from the House. The Speaker appoints the re-
maining six members, at least two of whom shall be from the minority
party; the appointments are subject to approval by majority vote of the
House. The President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House serve
as Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Council respectively.

The Council meets in the interim between the regular sessions of the
Genera] Assembly to study previously enacted laws and suggest any
necessary amendments thereto; to recommend a program of legislation
in the form of proposed bills; and to study the rules of both Houses of the
General Assembly and suggest revisions for expediting the business
of the Legislature. The Council receives recommendations from the various
State agencies, bar associations, labor unions, and other organized groups
and private individuals. It holds hearings on legislative proposals and
may subpoena witnesses and records.

RESEARCH DIVISION

A Research Division was established to make legal and factual studies
of legislation or proposed legislation referred to the Division by the Council.
The Division also prepares studies on any matters which may be referred
to it by any committee or commission appointed by the Council, or by
either or both Houses of the General Assembly, or with the consent of the
Council, by any commission or committee appointed by the Governor
(Code 1951, Art. 40, secs. 27-39).

Appropriations 1957 1958

General Funds.................. $40,000 $40,608
Staff: 22.