The Clerk’s Office serves as the official administrative, procedural, and record-keeping office of the House of Delegates of the Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK). The office supports the legislative operations of the House by mThe Clerk’s Office serves as the official administrative, procedural, and record-keeping office of the House of Delegates of the Olbiil Era Kelulau (OEK). The office supports the legislative functions of the House by maintaining official records, preparing legislative documentation, and assisting in the orderly conduct of House proceedings in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Palau and the Rules of Procedure of the House of Delegates. Through its responsibilities, the Clerk’s Office helps uphold transparency, accountability, procedural integrity, and continuity within the legislative process.
Role and Responsibilities
The Clerk’s Office provides procedural, clerical, and administrative support to the Speaker, Floor Leader, members, committees, and staff of the House of Delegates. The office is responsible for maintaining official legislative records and assisting in the daily administration and operations of the chamber.
Key responsibilities include:
- Maintaining custody of all official records, documents, and legislative materials of the House
- Preparing and maintaining the Journal of the Day and other official legislative records
- Recording motions, votes, bills, resolutions, amendments, and proceedings of the House
- Reading bills, resolutions, and official communications before the House when required
- Delivering legislation and related matters to the appropriate committees
- Preparing certified copies of adopted legislation and transmitting official measures to the Senate, the President, and other authorized recipients
- Maintaining custody of the official seal of the House and authenticating official documents
- Supervising clerical and custodial staff under the direction of House leadership
- Preserving and archiving House records and legislative materials for institutional and historical reference
The Clerk’s Office also assists with the duplication and distribution of legislative measures, committee reports, journals, calendars, and official House documents to members of the House.
Leadership and Organization
The Clerk of the House is appointed by House Resolution and serves as the chief clerical and record-keeping officer of the House of Delegates. The Clerk works under the direction of the Speaker and coordinates closely with the Floor Leader in supporting the administration and daily business operations of the House.
The Floor Leader oversees the administration of House business and directs the activities of the Clerk, Sergeant-At-Arms, administrative officers, and House employees in accordance with the Rules of Procedure. The Clerk’s Office may also be supported by administrative assistants, clerical personnel, and records staff to ensure continuity and efficiency in legislative operations.
The office works closely with House leadership, standing committees, the Office of Legal Counsel, and the joint administrative offices of the Olbiil Era Kelulau to facilitate legislative operations and maintain official records.
Session and Legislative Support
During House sessions, the Clerk’s Office provides procedural and administrative assistance to the Speaker, Floor Leader, and members of the House. The office records legislative actions, prepares official documentation, maintains legislative calendars and journals, and ensures that bills and resolutions are processed in accordance with House Rules and procedures.
The Clerk also prepares legislation in final form following passage or adoption and certifies and transmits official copies to the Senate, the President, and other appropriate offices as required by House Rules.
Legislative Records and Publications
The Clerk’s Office is responsible for maintaining and preserving the official Journal of the House and all legislative records of the chamber. The Journal serves as the official record of proceedings, legislative actions, communications, committee reports, votes, and other official business conducted by the House.
The office also ensures the proper archiving and safekeeping of House documents and records in accordance with House Rules and applicable laws governing legislative archives and public records.
Support to Committees
The Clerk’s Office provides administrative and procedural support to standing, special, and conference committees of the House by assisting with legislative documentation, maintaining committee records, and facilitating the preparation and distribution of committee reports and related materials. The office helps ensure that committee findings, recommendations, and legislative actions are properly documented and presented to the full House for consideration.
Commitment to Service
The Clerk’s Office remains committed to professionalism, accuracy, efficiency, accountability, and transparency in carrying out its responsibilities. By maintaining official legislative records and supporting the orderly conduct of House proceedings, the office plays an essential role in preserving the integrity, continuity, and institutional history of the House of Delegates and the Olbiil Era Kelulau.
Its work reflects the broader mission of the Olbiil Era Kelulau to serve the people of the Republic of Palau with transparency, accountability, and respect for democratic governance and legislative process.
Contact Information
House Clerk’s Office
Olbiil Era Kelulau – National Capitol, Ngerulmud
Telephone: (680) 767-1291/ (680) 488-2526
Email:
The House Clerk’s Office remains an essential pillar of the legislative process, ensuring that the work of the House of Delegates is properly recorded, preserved, and made accessible to the people it serves.