orderly pursuit of their personal and business activities by the majority of the citizens of this state." The committee was empowered to subpoena witnesses and take testimony and to employ experts, clerical, or other assistance as needed. In 1961 (Ch. 61-62, Laws), the purpose of the committee was extended to also include the investigation of the "extent of infiltration into agencies supported by state funds by practicing homosexuals, the effect thereof on said agencies and the public, and the policies of various state agencies in dealing therewith." The Committee was disbanded in 1966. Records of the Florida Legislative Investigation Committee include administrative files, correspondence, transcripts of testimony, information relating to various organizations under investigation, court cases, newspaper clippings, and publications. The internal workings of the committee are reflected mainly in the correspondence, memoranda, minutes, reports to the legislature, staff reports, and statements of fact. The transcripts document the investigatory process at a more personal level and include transcripts of testimony heard before the entire Committee and transcripts of individuals who were interviewed by Committee investigators or local law enforcement officers. The records reflect the Committee's early intent to investigate the extent of communist and subversive organization activity, especially within the state university system in Florida. By 1961, it is apparent from the records that the focus of the investigations shifted to homosexuality. In addition, the series contains information regarding race relations, the civil rights movement, student peace movements, and anti-Castro organizations. See also collection M91-7, Florida Bar, Florida Legislative Investigation Committee Records, 1957-1960.
Division of Legislative Library Services (Record Group 945) The Legislative Reference Bureau was created in 1949 (Ch. 25369, Laws) to assist the legislature by providing impartial and accurate information. The Bureau also provided comprehensive research and reference service on legislative problems. The Legislative Reference Bureau became the Legislative Services Bureau of the Joint Legislative Management Committee in 1969 (Ch. 69-52, Laws) and was dissolved in 1972 (Ch. 72-178, Laws). Its functions were continued by the Joint Legislative Management Committee’s Division of Legislative Library Services until the JLMC was eliminated in 1998 and the Legislative Library was placed under the State Library of Florida. Reference Files, 1945-1981, 79 cubic feet S 1059 Reference files of the Division of Legislative Library Services and its predecessor agencies, the Legislative Service Bureau and Legislative Reference Bureau, contain correspondence, copies of bills, studies, and reports covering a variety of subjects including: racial discrimination; student riots; race relations; voter registration; riots; minority issues; integration of Florida’s universities; Florida A&M University; bombs and bomb threats; and reapportionment.
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