Externships

Senate Research Office

Semesters offered:

Type:

Categories: ,

SITE DESCRIPTION

Created in 1975, the Senate Research Office (SRO) is a nonpartisan office which serves all Senators and the Lieutenant Governor, on a confidential basis, by providing quality, specialized, objective information and policy analysis. The SRO responds to research and information requests from Senators on potential and pending legislation, as well as other significant policy issues that affect the state. SRO analysts also provide research assistance for all Senate and Joint interim committees, including study committees, commissions, and task forces.

During Legislative Sessions, SRO prepares analyses of all the bills that pass through the General Assembly, attends all meetings of standing committees, completes committee reports of the meetings, and provides any additional assistance needed by the committee. During the legislative interim, SRO:

  • Attends meetings and conferences conducted by boards, commissions, gubernatorial task forces, state agencies, and any other governmental entity that may be relevant to the legislature.
  • Staffs study and subcommittees, which includes preparing a report of a study committee or subcommittee that includes any findings, recommendations, or legislative proposals;
  • Produces At Issue publications periodically during the interim that focus on major legislative issues, summarize other states' actions regarding the issues, and describe relevant bills submitted by Senate and House members; and
  • Publishes an Upcoming Issues document in the fall which is a report of selected issues that will likely be addressed in the upcoming Legislative Session.

During the summer and fall semesters, students will assist SRO policy analysts in research requests, contribute to the interim At Issue newsletter publication, and assist in staffing study committees. During the legislative session, students will attend committee meetings, prepare bill analyses, and provide other research as needed.

STUDENT QUALIFICATIONS

Prerequisites: None

Preferences: 

  • Legislation Class strongly recommended.
  • Students should have an interest in working with advocates and legislators on issues pending before the Georgia General Assembly and in gaining exposure to and experience in analyzing legislation.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

None