National Conference of State Legislatures
The National Conference of State Legislatures opened its doors in 1975. This new group brought together sitting state legislators from across the United States and its territories. Their goal was to advance legislative effectiveness while maintaining independence. They sought to protect state sovereignty against unfunded federal mandates. The organization also aimed to foster cooperation between state legislatures globally. A core mission statement emerged early on regarding integrity and flexibility. NCSL established offices in Denver, Colorado, and Washington, D.C. These locations allowed them to manage daily operations effectively.
Eight standing committees form the central organizing mechanism for members today. Each committee includes legislators and staff appointed by legislative leadership. Budgets and Revenue is one such committee that meets regularly. Communications, Financial Services, and Interstate Commerce forms another key group. Education and Health and Human Services handle critical policy areas. Labor and Economic Development addresses workforce issues nationwide. Law, Criminal Justice and Public Safety covers legal frameworks. Natural Resources and Infrastructure manages environmental concerns. Redistricting and Elections oversees voting processes. Committees meet twice each year at the Capitol Forum or Legislative Summit. Task forces complement these permanent groups with temporary focus. Immigration reform and welfare are examples of complex issues handled by task forces. Twenty to thirty legislators serve on a single task force.
Tim Storey serves as chief executive officer managing day-to-day operations. Eugene Farnum from Michigan held the first president role in 1975. Bonnie Reese from Wisconsin followed him during the 1975, 76 term. Karen McCarthy became the first female president in 1994. She was a former Congresswoman leading the organization twenty years after founding. Dan Blue served as the first African-American president from 1998 to 1999. He represented Florida as a House Deputy Speaker. Scott Saiki of Hawaii led the body during the 2021, 22 session. J.J. Gentry of South Carolina acted as staff chair that same period. The presidency alternates annually between Republican and Democratic party members. This rotation ensures bipartisan balance throughout the organization's history.
NCSL opposes unfunded federal mandates imposed upon state governments. They argue for flexibility in implementing policy solutions at the state level. The group supports the Main Street Fairness Act to simplify sales tax laws. Online merchants would be required to collect taxes under this act. Billions of dollars could be generated for state governments through this change. NCSL also backs the SAFE Banking Act for cannabis industry access. Financial services become available to legalized marijuana businesses under this bill. These positions guide lobbying efforts in Washington, D.C. Committees establish specific policy stances before taking action. State sovereignty remains a central theme in all advocacy work.
Nine professional staff associations operate under the NCSL umbrella today. The American Society of Legislative Clerks and Secretaries joined in 1974. ASLCS was founded earlier in 1943 to improve legislative administration. Over four hundred principal clerks and secretaries hold active membership now. Their publications include the Legislative Administrator newsletter. The Professional Journal provides a forum for sharing experiences daily. An International Directory lists contacts in English, Spanish, and French. This booklet includes names and phone numbers from various countries. The society maintains standards approved by its Executive Committee. Publication policies remain in effect unless amended officially. These groups foster better communication between clerks nationwide.
Mason's Manual of Legislative Procedure serves as a key reference book. Inside the Legislative Process acts as a research tool for procedures. ASLCS committees review and produce these publications regularly. Survey questions help record responses usable by all legislative units. Current processes are reflected in every new edition released. The Legislative Administrator functions as an official newsletter for members. The International Directory contains objectives and goals of multiple organizations. It lists executive committee members with contact details globally. Standards govern how these materials are published and distributed. Committees work closely with NCSL staff on development efforts.
The Legislative Summit occurs during summer recess when legislatures pause sessions. It is the largest annual event hosted by the organization. Location varies each year to accommodate different state needs. The Capitol Forum alternates between Washington D.C. and other sites. These meetings allow states to network and share information freely. Web seminars and leadership meetings supplement physical gatherings throughout the year. Online documents provide access to relevant resources anytime. The Joint Canadian-American Clerks' Conference happens biennially in odd years. Participation is limited to principal clerks or their assistants. Meetings typically occur in August or September at rotating locations. These events build community among state legislators effectively.
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Common questions
When did the National Conference of State Legislatures open its doors?
The National Conference of State Legislatures opened its doors in 1975. This new group brought together sitting state legislators from across the United States and its territories to advance legislative effectiveness while maintaining independence.
Who was the first president of the National Conference of State Legislatures?
Eugene Farnum from Michigan held the first president role for the National Conference of State Legislatures in 1975. Bonnie Reese from Wisconsin followed him during the 1975, 76 term before Karen McCarthy became the first female president in 1994.
Where are the offices of the National Conference of State Legislatures located?
NCSL established offices in Denver, Colorado, and Washington, D.C. These locations allow them to manage daily operations effectively while supporting their mission to protect state sovereignty against unfunded federal mandates.
What is the purpose of the Legislative Summit hosted by the National Conference of State Legislatures?
The Legislative Summit occurs during summer recess when legislatures pause sessions and serves as the largest annual event hosted by the organization. It allows states to network and share information freely at rotating locations throughout the year.
Which professional staff associations operate under the National Conference of State Legislatures umbrella today?
Nine professional staff associations operate under the NCSL umbrella including the American Society of Legislative Clerks and Secretaries which joined in 1974. Over four hundred principal clerks and secretaries hold active membership now to improve legislative administration through shared publications and standards.