The House Fiscal Advisory Staff, which operates under the supervision of the House Finance Committee, was established as a separate agency in 1959. Statutory provisions for the Fiscal Advisory Staff are contained in R.I.G.L. 22-6-14 et seq. The Finance Committee Chair, with the approval of a majority of the members, is empowered to employ a fiscal advisor, expert and technical assistants, and research and secretarial assistance.

The major function of the House Fiscal Advisory Staff is to perform fiscal research and analysis for the House, its committees, and individual legislators. Duties include examination of revenues, review of appropriations and expenditures, and analysis of the state’s indebtedness and Capital Improvement Program. The fiscal advisor also serves as one of three principals on the Revenue Consensus Forecasting and the Caseload Estimating Conferences.