Each house of the legislature may by appropriate rules provide for permanent professional staffing for each respective house. Persons appointed shall perform and observe such duties and responsibilities as may be assigned to them, and they may be called to assist in the development and formulation of policy. Persons appointed by each respective house may, if so determined, serve as staff to committees during the interim and during regular sessions. They shall be appointed and removed and compensated as provided for in the rules of the respective houses, and the provisions of chapter 76 shall not apply. The members of the permanent staff shall be entitled to every state employee benefit and privilege.