Task Forces: Overview

NCSL uses task forces to complement the work of the 10 standing committees. Task forces typically deal with issues that cut across the jurisdictions of the standing committees and are created for a specified period of time. They range in size between 20 and 30 legislators and legislative staff.

Task forces have been very effective at developing positions on highly complex and controversial issues, including immigration reform, welfare reform and No Child Left Behind. 

Members of task forces are appointed by the NCSL president and staff chair and have Republican and Democrat co-chairs. Policy statements on state-federal issues that are developed by task forces must be approved through the regular NCSL policy process before becoming official.