Overview

A Guide To NLSSA

The National Legislative Services and Security Association (NLSSA) was founded in 1973.

The underlying philosophy of the National Legislative Services and Security Association is to see that all of the logistical services that are provided to legislators, staff and the public, function well.

Prior to the trends of the early 1970s toward more open meetings, security in the legislatures could be accomplished simply by closing the door to the chamber and seeing that no one entered. Once the doors were "opened", services and security personnel were not only faced with dealing with constituents but also with the possibility of disruption and violence.

It is the position of NLSSA that all legislative personnel should be concerned about good order and about providing needed services to everyone participating in the legislative process.

Maintaining order, protecting the Capitol and its occupants, dealing with visiting constituents, serving committees, providing supplies, media, lobbyists, ADA, buildings and grounds, accounting, administration, postal services, arranging parking, managing pages and interns, running errands, etc., must all be seen as part of a whole in serving the needs of a legislature.

While the duties of individual members of the Association may differ, there are many common threads that hold the group together. Whether in services or security, members agree that their jobs are to serve the legislature and to help the people make use of public access to the legislature. The Association develops training programs that are designed to assist members with security issues, personnel matters, member services and compliance with federal mandates.

NLSSA is one of ten professional associations or "staff sections," of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL).

Membership of the Staff Section

Membership - Membership Application

Membership is open to sergeants-at-arms, security personnel, state police, administrative and service staff for state legislatures. 
Membership is also open to legislators interested in NLSSA. There is a separate membership fee for this association.

Meetings and Conferences

The Association meets in various forms several times a year. Each spring, the four regions of NLSSA hold meetings to provide localized training for those legislative staff who might not be able to travel to conferences outside of the region. In summer, NLSSA meets in association with the NCSL Annual Meeting. Every fall the Association holds the NLSSA Annual Training Conference, an intensive week of professional development and sharing of information.

2013 Calendar

Publications

NLSSA publishes a newsletter, an annual directory of its members, and in cooperation with NCSL produces Services and Security Inside the Legislature, a comprehensive survey on services and security existent in state legislatures. Protocol: A Handbook for Legislative Staff -- The book offers information on proper protocol with dignitaries and international guests; etiquette in handling state funerals and flags; and legislative ceremonies. Other publications of interest - Publications.

Legislative Advisory Committee

A unique facet of NLSSA is it's Legislative Advisory Committee.  The committee consists of legislators who are interested in maintaining effective services and security in state legislatures.  Acting as an advisor to the organization, the committee offer suggestions for programs, critiques conferences to maintain high standards for staff training. 

Kevin Ebata Memorial Fund

A memorial to NLSSA Past President Kevin Ebata who passed away on December 31, 2001.