Each permanent standing committee of the house and senate is authorized to invite public officials and employees and private individuals to appear before it for the purpose of submitting information to it. Each such committee shall be authorized to maintain a continuous review of the work of the state agencies concerned with its subject area and the performance of the functions of government within each such subject area, and for this purpose, to request reports, from time to time in such form as the committee shall designate, concerning the operation of any state agency and presenting any proposals or recommendations such agency may have with regard to existing laws or proposed legislation in its subject area.