Section 8 -- Parliamentary Manual

NCSL rules specify Mason’s Manual of Legislative Procedure as the back-up on matters of parliamentary procedure. Why do the NCSL rules specify Mason’s Manual?

Mason’s Manual is designed specifically for state legislatures--unlike many other parliamentary manuals, which are written for civic groups and private organizations. As a result, most legislative chambers have adopted Mason’s as the back-up to their own rules, and their members are familiar with the book.

Paul Mason was the original author of Mason’s Manual of Legislative Procedure. He published seven editions before transferring the book’s copyright to NCSL. To honor Mr. Mason’s request that the book continue to be updated, NCSL—with the assistance of the American Society of Legislative Clerks and Secretaries through the Mason’s Manual Commission—revised the manual in 1989 and 2000, and currently is working on the next edition. Mason’s Manual is distributed through the NCSL Bookstore.

If you are interested in more information about the advantages of using Mason’s Manual or the Mason’s Manual Commission, go to:

• Advantages of using Mason’s Manual
• Mason’s Manual Commission