The evolution of the House of Representatives has been accompanied by the expansion of its staff and the emphasis on its professionalism. In contrast to the staff who served in the house during early statehood, today's staff is nonpartisan and employed on the basis of merit rather than patronage.

The staff well into the 1920's was relatively small, ranging from under fifty for the 1907-8 session to more than one hundred in the 1920's. Among the positions filled in that first session was that of Chief Clerk.

Despite the salaries offered (six dollars per day for the first Chief Clerk), staff appointments were highly sought, and they were made on a patronage basis the first several decades after statehood. Chief Clerks rotated each biennium until the 1950's.

By the late 1940's, the House staff made major progress in terms of taking on a more professional outlook. Employment practices were no longer based on political patronage, but on merit (not to be confused with the merit system created in 1959). Key positions in the Chief Clerk's office became full-time, allowing for continuity and expertise to develop. Beginning with Louise Stockton in 1949, the House has had tremendous continuity in the Chief Clerk's office. Besides Stockton (1959-75), Richard Huddleston (1975-83), and Larry Warden (1983-2005, except for Irene McConathy during the second 1983 special session), Joel Kintsel (2005-2011), Jan Harrison (2011-2019) have had long tenures as House Chief Clerk. Current Chief Clerk Emily Giles (2019-present).