New bill allowing industrial hemp farming expected to be introduced this week
The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) has also passed a pro-hemp resolution. PR Newswire Read the article.

Unlike Oregon, many states have open caucuses
I don't expect the experiment with open caucuses to be repeated soon but I did think of it this week when I received a survey from the National Conference of State Legislatures pointing out that party legislative caucuses in 18 states are always or usually open to the press and/or public. The Oregonian Read the article.

D.C.'s money-saving plan: Free inmates
More than 2.3 million people are housed in U.S. prisons and jails, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, while a January report by the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) showed that two-thirds of the states were projecting a cumulative shortfall of $84.3 billion for fiscal 2010. Washington Times Read the article.

State Senate passes tax hikes for jobless benefits
Insolvency has already forced at least 14 other states to seek federal loans totaling nearly $6 billion since early December, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Times West Virginian Read the article.

Retailers: Proposed bill creates problems for business owners
Alabama is one of six states not required to notify residents when their personal information is breached, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Times Daily Read the article.

N.J.’s Corzine supports in-state tuition for undocumented students
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 10 states have already passed laws for undocumented immigrants to pay in-state tuition. Diverse Issues in Higher Education Read the article.

No hunger pangs in the State House
She also provided a summary compiled by the National Conference of State Legislatures of the compensation provided part-time lawmakers in states such as Vermont, where the four-day-a-week legislative sessions routinely begin at 9:30 or 10 a.m., and daily winter travel from the far reaches of the snowy state to the capitol would be difficult. Providence Journal Read the article.

Fla. bill would make monitors pricey for offenders
The provision could save the state up to $5 million a year and is supported by the Department of Corrections. At least eight other states, including neighboring Georgia, require offenders to pay for some or all monitoring costs, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Associated Press in the Miami Herald Read the article.

Tobacco tax could reduce smoking
In fact, according to a survey done by the National Conference of State Legislatures, Alabama ranks as the ninth-lowest in state cigarette excise taxes. Tuscaloosa News Read the article.

What a drag
The increase of the excise tax to $1 will create an estimated $32 billion in new funding for the next four and a half fiscal years, and 4.1 million children not already benefiting from CHIP or Medicaid will be funded and enrolled in the program, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Beatrice News Read the article.

Business owners; smokers react to tobacco tax hike
It was only 3 months ago when the National Conference of State Legislatures say the average retail price of a pack of cigarettes was only $4.35. KTIV News Channel 4 Read the article.

Connecticut lawmakers weigh updates to reflect GPS advances
Ann Teigen, a transportation policy specialist for the National Conference of State Legislatures, said Connecticut's experience is not unique. "The technology is, and always has, moved very fast,'' she said. "Legislatures are having to always keep up on what the newest technology is, and to keep that in mind when they're writing their laws.'' Claims Journal Read the article.

Illinois government: Governor, legislative leaders increase private meetings
Illinois is among seven states, ranging from Pennsylvania to California, where partisan caucuses are always secret, and dozens more allow closed caucuses under various conditions, according to a survey of officials done by the National Conference of State Legislatures. Florida is among a handful of states that require a high degree of openness, to the point that any meeting between a governor and the leader of either legislative chamber is supposed to be public. Chicago Tribune Read the article.

State legislatures cautiously consider in-state rates for undocumented students
According to Brenda Bautsch, a policy associate with the National Conference of State Legislatures, several states besides Maryland are pondering similar bills: Colorado, Connecticut, New Jersey and Virginia. She says Arkansas and Missouri lawmakers are taking a different route, debating bills to ban in-state tuition for undocumented students. Diverse Education Read the article.

Officials stuck at impasse
Two days later, a survey by the National Conference of State Legislatures reported that most governors had taken the same steps -- including Republican governors. Clarion Ledger Read the article.

Political notebook: Gridiron lyrics singe Barbour
U.S. President Barack Obama speaks to the National Conference of State Legislatures with U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building of the White House on March 20, 2009 in Washington, DC (photo credit). DeSoto Appeal Read the article.

Arizona's $3 billion deficit looms large
Arizona ranks second in the nation when it comes to the size of its deficit in comparison to its base budget: 28 percent, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Only Nevada, another fast-growth state hit hard by the mortgage meltdown, ranks higher. The Arizona Republic on News 12 Read the article.

Hard-up states try a carrot - or stick
"Historically, amnesties meet or exceed collection expectations," said Bert Waisanen, fiscal analyst for the National Conference of State Legislatures in Denver. "But in this recession, we're not sure what to expect." Philadelphia Inquirer Read the article.

Governor Quinn said 'cut, cut, cut,' so what's up with all of this?
For instance, there's $341,600 for Illinois lawmakers to attend the National Conference of State Legislatures, $50,000 for an agriculture in the classroom grant and $200,000 to research Abraham Lincoln. Daily Herald Read the article.

States control how their electors vote
Martin also served as president of the National Conference of State Legislatures from 1990-1991. Kennebec Journal in the Morning Sentinel Read the article.

Politicians weigh updates to reflect GPS advances
Ann Teigen, a transportation policy specialist for the National Conference of State Legislatures, said Connecticut's experience is not unique. "The technology is, and always has, moved very fast," she said. "Legislatures are having to always keep up on what the newest technology is, and to keep that in mind when they're writing their laws." The Hour Read the article.

Md. House passes emissions-reduction bill
Seven other states have passed similar legislation requiring greenhouse gas reductions, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Baltimore Sun Read the article.

Audit report details fraud, mismanagement among state agencies
A comprehensive list of those systems in comparison to Minnesota can be found on the National Conference of State Legislatures website. Politics in Minnesota Read the article.

Senate President Codey announces staff changes
Ms. Crotty has served on the Legislative Management Committee to the National Conference of State Legislatures (1982-90) and as a member of the Suggested State Legislation Committee of the Council of State Governments. Politicker Read the article.

States eye education stimulus to fill budget gaps
States are facing a combined $84.3 billion in budget deficits in the 2010 fiscal year alone, according to a January report from the Denver-based National Conference of State Legislatures. Education Week (subscription requires) Read the article.

Public school children free to begin day with minute of quiet reflection
In addition to Texas, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Hampshire, Oklahoma, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia also require such moments of quiet in the classroom, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Lubbock Online Read the article.

Conn. considers recall law for city officials
The National Conference of State Legislatures says at least 29 states have provisions for the recall of local officials, though the measures vary widely. The Associated Press in the Danbury News Times Read the article.

COLUMN: Stimulus package, behind the scenes
The National Conference of State Legislatures sponsored the event. Attendance was limited to each state’s House speaker and Senate president, in addition to each chamber’s minority leader. In total, 37 states were represented, with a very strong showing from all of the New England states. Column in the Wicked Journal Read the article.

Stimulus package has billions for healthcare
With states already struggling with high program costs, "the enhanced match gives them the ability to provide services to an increased number of people," said Joy Johnson Wilson, the chief federal policy analyst for the National Conference of State Legislatures in Washington, DC. Medscape Read the article.

States consider drug tests for welfare recipients
In the past, such efforts have been stymied by legal and cost concerns, said Christine Nelson, a program manager with the National Conference of State Legislatures. But states' bigger fiscal crises, and the surging demand for public assistance, could change that. The Associated Press Read the article.

Cleveland mayor backs texting-while-driving ban
The National Conference of State Legislatures says eight states now have laws prohibiting texting behind the wheel, though Ohio isn't one of them. WTTE Fox 28 Read the article.

Crowded Dem field seeks House seat
National Conference of State Legislatures policy analyst Doug Farquhar, who decided Wednesday to leave the race, said he registered as a Republican and his wife registered as a Democrat so they could get both parties' political mailers. Denver Post Read the article.

Afternoon Headlines
The National Conference of State Legislatures says eight states now have laws prohibiting texting behind the wheel, though Ohio isn't one of them. WKSU Read the article.

Speaker Carroll targets initiative petition process for reform
A 2002 task force composed of the National Conference of State Legislatures recommended initiative states like Colorado firm up the processes substantially and non-initiative states avoid adopting the ballot initiative altogether. Colorado Independent Read the article.

Lifestyles of the rich and elected
Instead she used her campaign cash to travel to such far-flung locales as Louisville, Ky., for the Kentucky Derby; Tokyo and Hiroshima, Japan; China; Washington, D.C.; Las Vegas; Reno; New Orleans; Denver and Seattle, the latter three sites as a board member of the National Conference of State Legislatures. Contra Costa Times Read the article.

And then there were nine — Farquhar withdraws from HD 3 vacancy race
National legislative policy expert Doug Farquhar pulled his name from the running to replace retiring Democratic state Rep. Anne McGihon Wednesday, narrowing the field slightly to nine hopefuls. Colorado Independent Read the article.

Transitioning to a cleaner world
Right now the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners and the National Conference of State Legislators  and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission are working on some of these issues, but it is still undefined. Examiner.com Read the article.

Municipal market regulator regrets enabling taxpayer losses
The National Conference of State Legislatures says eight states now have laws prohibiting texting behind the wheel, though Ohio isn't one of them. The Associated Press in Cincinnati Enquirer Read the article.

Stem cell opponents ready for new fight
Eight states — California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Wisconsin — have passed legislation to move ahead with research despite the federal ban, according to lists compiled by the National Conference of State Legislatures. Research is legal in Iowa and Missouri, though no funding was provided. The Chicago Tribune in the Herald Read the article.

New age bullying: Sent through text
Forty-six states now have anti-stalking laws that refer to electronic forms of communication, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Only four states -- Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Washington -- explicitly name text messaging, but laws that are less specific may also be applied to textual harassment. Bethany Beach Wave Read the article.

91% of Utahns support texting law
The National Conference of State Legislatures said eight states — Alaska, Arkansas, California, Connecticut, Louisiana, Minnesota, New Jersey and Washington — and the District of Columbia have laws similar to the Utah law. Deseret News Read the article.

States consider drug tests for welfare recipients
In the past, such efforts have been stymied by legal and cost concerns, said Christine Nelson, a program manager with the National Conference of State Legislatures. But states' bigger fiscal crises, and the surging demand for public assistance, could change that. The Associated Press Read the article.

State tobacco tax hike unlikely this year
Across the country, more than a dozen states are looking at tobacco taxes to fill holes in their budgets, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Charleston Gazette Read the article.

Voter registration could require citizenship proof
The only state that currently requires a citizenship check before voting is Arizona. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, similar proposals have surfaced in at least five other states: Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Washington and Virginia. Elizabethton Star Read the article.

AQHA organises political lobby group
At each Congressional and Senate office, the members left information on American Quarter Horse ownership and population graphs for each respective state, an updated position statement on pending federal legislation concerning horse processing, the National Conference of State Legislatures resolution and a short DVD featuring Dr Tom Lenz's presentation on the unwanted horse. Horse Talk Read the article.

Ohio bill would let lawmakers officiate weddings
If Rep. Tom Letson's bill becomes law, Ohio would join only California and Rhode Island in giving all state lawmakers the power to perform civil marriage ceremonies, according to research by the National Conference of State Legislatures. Associated Press Read the article.

Promise and peril of the US fiscal stimulus
The Council of State Governments recently launched www.staterecovery.org and the National Conference of State Legislatures also provides state-by-state information. Stateline in EGov Monitor Read the article.

Scooters gain a following
Thirty-four states require registration, a driver’s license or both to operate a mo-ped, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. More than 25 require a license. Times Mail Read the article.

Municipal market regulator regrets enabling taxpayer losses
State governments are working to reduce deficits estimated at about $160 billion this year and next, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures in Denver. Bloomberg Read the article.

Senate Judiciary OKs boost to state jobless fund
Insolvency has already forced at least 14 other states to seek federal loans totaling $5.5 billion since early December, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The Associated Press in the Times West Virginian Read the article.

Leaders whittle pay 10%, make other cuts
Legislative sources said that Clark will pay his own way to an April meeting of leaders of the National Conference of State Legislatures. Deseret News Read the article.

Simpson named to committee
Bruce Feustel, senior fellow at the National Conference of State Legislatures, said the committee discusses strategies for improving community outreach, ethics within the legislature, lobbyist relations and leadership. Indiana Daily Student Read the article.

Higher ed unclear on stimulus
States are supposed to use part of the stimulus money to restore K-12 and higher education budgets for 2009, 2010 and 2011 to levels before budget cuts, said Robert Strange, a policy analyst with the National Conference of State Legislatures, during a conference call with journalists last week. Clarion Ledger Read the article.

Obama meets with bank CEOs on Friday: sources
U.S. President Barack Obama smiles as he is being introduced to speak to representatives of the National Conference of State Legislatures (photo credit). IT Business Net Read the article.

Voter registration could require citizenship proof
The only state that currently requires a citizenship check before voting is Arizona. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, similar proposals have surfaced in at least five other states: Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Washington and Virginia. WSMV-TV Nashville Read the article.

Bill to lower drinking age stalls
The drinking age issue fueled new discussion, only popping up in statehouses across the country within the last few years, said Matthew Gever, a policy associate for the National Conference of State Legislatures. MN Daily Read the article.

NCSL in the House
As Executive Board Member of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), Senate Majority Leader Dean Florez and I represented California at a White House briefing with President Obama, Vice President Biden, Transportation Secretary Ray La Hood, and Administration staff to ensure that our voices were heard and California’s needs were known. Fog City Journal Read the article.

Idaho pharmacists granted 'right of conscience' rule
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, four states – Arkansas, Georgia, Mississippi, and South Dakota – have conscience laws that explicitly allow pharmacists to refuse to dispense the morning-after pill for moral reasons. Modern Medicine Read the article.

Smoking gets more expensive
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, Illinois' cigarette tax is currently the 18th lowest in the nation at 98 cents. New York's $2.75 per pack tax leads the nation while a dozen other states have taxes of $2 or above. The Southern Read the article.

GOP predicts doomsday if Obama budget passes
President Barack Obama makes remarks to representatives of the National Conference of State Legislatures, Friday, March 20, 2009 (photo credit). Associated Press in the Salt Lake Tribune Read the article.

State legislators amend their financial reports for '08 to list free trips
The association invited Pace and Wilkins as co-chairmen of the Legislature's Joint Committee on Advanced Communications and Information Technology, and Berry because he served on the National Conference of State Legislatures' Telecommunications and Finance Committee, he said. Arkansas Democrat Gazette Read the article.

Obama links budget to environment
President Barack Obama and Vice President Joseph Biden arrive where the president made remarks to representatives of the National Conference of State Legislatures (photo credit). The Associated Press in the Tulsa World Read the article.

Eye Opener: March 23, 2009
"Decisions about how Recovery Act dollars are spent will be based on the merits," Obama told the National Conference of State Legislatures. Washington Post Read the article.

Obama links budget to environment
U.S. President Barack Obama speaks to the National Conference of State Legislatures with U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building of the White House on March 20, 2009 in Washington, DC (photo credit). WYTV Read the article.

Perdue won't wait on her 'bold' ideas for DPI
The speaker was in Washington for a twice-yearly meeting of the National Conference of State Legislatures. He is serving as president of the group this year. News and Observer Read the article.

Economy takes precedence over deficit, Obama tells state lawmakers
Hackney, president of the National Conference of State Legislatures, led a delegation of about 60 state lawmakers from 35 states in a meeting with Obama and Vice President Joe Biden. The legislators met privately with the president and vice president and heard public remarks. CNS News Read the article.

U.S. to buy up toxic assets
U.S. President Barack Obama, right, speaks to representatives from the National Conference of State Legislatures with U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden listening in Washington, D.C., U.S., on Friday, March 20, 2009 (photo credit). The Washington Post in the Denver Post Read the article.

Jobless benefits may fall; taxes may jump
One Southwestern Indiana lawmaker will serve on a National Conference of State Legislatures committee. Sen. Bob Deig, D-Mount Vernon, was named to the Standing Committee on Labor and Economic Development. Evansville Courier and Press Read the article.

State mortgage delinquencies rise with recession
"When you talk with people in the industry, those are the numbers they use," said Heather Morton, who analyzes mortgage statistics for the National Conference of State Legislatures. Charleston Gazette Read the article.

Officials question plan to tax bonuses of bailed-out company executives
President Barack Obama makes remarks to representatives of the National Conference of State Legislatures in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House campus in Washington (photo credit). Squamish Press Read the article.

Analysis: Schools favored in Kan. budget debate
But several Republicans noted last week that legislators have opinions from their own staff, the National Conference of State Legislatures... Education Week (subscription required) Read the article.

Idaho Dems search for meaning - and a voice
Idaho bucks that trend as one of just 11 states where Republicans control both legislative chambers, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. TMCNet Read the article.

Obama to get back to work selling economic plan
U.S. President Barack Obama speaks to the National Conference of State Legislatures with U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building of the White House on March 20, 2009 in Washington, DC (photo credit) KMTR Read the article.

Questions hold up stimulus process
"I think there is a lot of confusion," said Meagan Dorsch, a spokeswoman for the National Conference of State Legislatures. She said dozens of legislative leaders met last week with President Obama, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and others. "They pledged to have more open lines of communication," Dorsch said. Hattiesburg Press Read the article.

Drug industry advocates join chorus to split FDA
President Barack Obama makes remarks to representatives of the National Conference of State Legislatures, Friday, March 20, 2009 (photo credit). ABC News Read the article.

Ind.'s stimulus plan in doubt
Legislatures in at least 16 states are considering or have approved their own stimulus packages, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Courier Journal Read the article.

Don't undermine stimulus recovery efforts for political gain
And before a gathering of the National Conference of State Legislatures on Friday, Obama announced guidelines for the stimulus spending that include waste and fraud prevention measures and steps to limit lobbyist influence. Opinion in the Tennessean Read the article.

Lots of ham on the menu at annual Gridiron dinner
Vice President Joseph Biden introduces President Barack Obama, prior to his making remarks to representatives of the National Conference of State Legislatures, Friday, March 20 (photo credit). The Associated Press in the Sun News Read the article.

Lots of ham on the menu at annual Gridiron dinner
Vice President Joseph Biden introduces President Barack Obama, prior to his making remarks to representatives of the National Conference of State Legislatures, Friday, March 20, 2009, in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House campus in Washington (photo credit). The Associated Press in the Miami Herald Read the article.

Obama to get back to work selling economic plan
U.S. President Barack Obama speaks to the National Conference of State Legislatures with U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building of the White House on March 20, 2009 in Washington, DC. (photo credit). San Diego 6 Read the article.

Stimulus package funds thousands of US transportation projects
President Barack Obama makes remarks to representatives of the National Conference of State Legislatures at the White House, 20 Mar 2009Other states have begun fixing old bridges, paving roads and widening highways already clogged with traffic. National Journal of Turkish Weekly Read the article.

Obama tells state lawmakers they're on "front lines"
The President made the remarks at the National Conference of State Legislatures in which he stressed the strong partnership between Washington and state governments. KARK-TV Read the article.

Honor does not come easy for Obama in Georgia
According to what Heard said in the House chamber today, fellow Georgia legislator, and President of the National Black Caucus of State Legislators, Calvin Smyre was in Washington, DC, Friday, for the National Conference of State Legislatures, and had hoped to let President Obama know about the honor the Georgia Legislature would have bestowed on him Thursday, had the resolution passed. Examiner Read the article.

Nearly $1 trillion deficits seen for 10 years
Speaking to representatives from the National Conference of State Legislatures on Friday, President Obama promised to cut the deficit in half by the end of his first term, though he said he wouldn't cut investment that led to real growth (photo credit). Charlotte Observer Read the article.

Obama makes pitch for budget priorities
President Barack Obama makes remarks to representatives of the National Conference of State Legislatures, Friday, March 20, 2009, in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House campus in Washington (photo credit). Examiner Read the article.

Before slashing, know how to use stimulus
State lawmakers can find out more at the National Conference of State Legislatures' Web site. A new electronic discussion board, available only to legislators and staff, is serving as a forum to exchange ideas and insights into best ways to take advantage of stimulus dollars. Des Moines Register Read the article.

PROMISES, PROMISES: Obama rhetoric, reality clash
President Barack Obama makes remarks to representatives of the National Conference of State Legislatures, Friday, March 20, 2009, in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House campus in Washington (photo credit). The State Read the article.

Analysis: Obama rhetoric, reality clash
President Barack Obama makes remarks to representatives of the National Conference of State Legislatures, Friday, March 20, 2009, in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House campus in Washington (photo credit). The Associated Press in the San Diego Union Tribune Read the article.

Obama offers new start with Iran
U.S. President Barack Obama (R) speaks to the National Conference of State Legislatures as U.S. Vice President Joseph Biden looks on in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building of the White House on March 20, 2009 in Washington, DC (photo credit). Epoch Times Read the article.

Sen. Groff sees Obama, fills in CNN
Obama spoke to a gathering of the National Conference of State Legislatures in Washington. Denver Post Read the article.

Effects of photo ID on turnout, fraud unclear
"There really isn't much in the way of hard data that examines the question of how voter ID affects turnout," said Tom Intorcio, policy specialist at the National Conference of State Legislatures. El Paso Times Read the article.

Obama pursues agenda despite bonus brouhaha
President Barack Obama makes remarks to representatives of the National Conference of State Legislatures, Friday, March 20, 2009, in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House campus in Washington (photo credit). ABC News Read the article.

President Obama apologizes for remark
President Barack Obama makes remarks to representatives of the National Conference of State Legislatures, Friday, March 20, 2009, in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House campus in Washington (photo credit). News OK Read the article.

Obama forces lobbyist transparency
"This plan cannot and will not be an excuse for waste and abuse," Mr. Obama said in remarks Friday to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Washington Times Read the article.

Obama seeks to soften the punitive legislation
President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden appear before the National Conference of State Legislatures in Washington Friday (photo credit). Wall Street Journal Read the article.

Obama urges states to use recovery money carefully
"No plan is perfect. And I can't stand here and promise you that not one dollar will slip through the cracks. But what I can promise you is that we will do everything in our power to prevent that from happening," Obama told the National Conference of State Legislatures. Associated Press Read the article.

Obama releases guidance on acceptable stimulus spending
"Decisions about how Recovery Act dollars are spent will be based on the merits," Obama told the National Conference of State Legislatures. Initiatives that maximize job creation, make health care affordable, rebuild crumbling roads and bridges, or provide other "enduring benefits" to taxpayers must take priority, he said. Government Executive Read the article.

Obama's no good very bad week
Obama himself spent today with state and local officials, announcing before the National Conference of State Legislatures an initiative at the federal level to ensure transparency in any lobbying for stimulus dollars. Real Clear Politics Read the article.

Obama to lobbyists: Submit your thoughts in writing
Pres. Obama elaborated today about how his administration will interact with lobbyists. Per National Journal's Under the Influence, here's what Obama said to the National Conference of State Legislatures. National Journal Read the article.

W.Va. gov's agenda advances, but economy is worry
At least 14 states have borrowed more than $5.5 billion from the federal government to keep jobless benefits flowing, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The Associated Press in Forbes Read the article.

Voters' right to pass laws won long ago
According to a database kept by the National Conference of State Legislatures, an initiative has made the ballot in all but six general elections since 1912. Arizona Republic Read the article.

A stem cell battle along state lines
California, Connecticut, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Wisconsin passed legislation or initiatives to move ahead with research despite the federal ban, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Los Angeles Times Read the article.

Another Glazier appointment
He has been appointed to the Education Committee of the National Conference of State Legislatures. Fayette Observer Blog Read the article.

Voter-ID debate soon shifting to the Texas House
Twenty-four states require some form of voter identification, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Seven require photo IDs: Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan and South Dakota. Ft. Worth Star Telegram Read the article.

Sex offender kills teen while under GPS monitoring, police say
Levenson also concurs with other experts who say the technology is used too sweepingly. Twenty-seven states have some mandatory requirement that the devices be used on sex offenders, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Only six states have no specific provisions for such monitoring. CNN Read the article.

Congress mulls vote to fill US Senate vacancies
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, governors in 38 states make appointments to fill Senate seats until the next regular scheduled general election. MSNBC Read the article.

Panel rejects new rules on travel reimbursement, live webcasts of meetings
Clemmer said the bill didn't target any specific legislator, though some came under fire three years ago for driving to a National Conference of State Legislatures in Seattle — and collecting $1,700 or more in mileage reimbursement. Arkansas Business.com Read the article.

After Illinois, lawmakers consider direct elections for Senate vacancies
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, governors in 38 states make appointments to fill Senate seats until the next regular scheduled general election. Other states, such as Massachusetts, Wisconsin, Oregon, Oklahoma and Alaska, mandate special elections. The remainder have variations where governors make interim appointments followed within a certain time period by elections. The Associated Press in the Baltimore Sun Read the article.

Congress mulls elections to fill Senate vacancies
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, governors in 38 states make appointments to fill Senate seats until the next regular scheduled general election. The Associated Press Read the article.

Sex offender kills teen while under GPS monitoring
Twenty-seven states have some mandatory requirement that the devices be used on sex offenders, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. CNN Read the article.

Congress mulls vote to fill US Senate vacancies
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, governors in 38 states make appointments to fill Senate seats until the next regular scheduled general election. AP on MSNBC Read the article.

Justice was served
In the past two years, according to Michelle Exstrom of the National Conference of State Legislatures, lawmakers in at least 22 states adopted new laws or policies meant to keep sex offenders out of the classroom. Ledger-Enquirer Read the article.

Voter ID debate soon shifting to the state House
Twenty-four states require some form of voter identification, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Star Telegram  Read the article.

Editorial: More money? Now?
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, that means they earn less than 22 other legislatures with comparable session lengths and staff sizes. News Record Read the article.

Bacterial meningitis pikes among college students
Thirty-seven states have one or more meningitis-related laws to protect college and university students, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Read the article.

A futile exercise?
Michelle Blackston, the Director of Media and Public Affairs for the National Conference of State Legislatures, which tracks states’ pending legislation, tells Flashlight that her organization couldn’t find any other states that have resolutions weighing in on H.R. 45. Anchorage Press Read the article.

New battle lines on stem cells
Illinois is among eight states, including California, Connecticut, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Wisconsin, that passed legislation to move ahead with research despite the federal ban, according to lists compiled by the National Conference of State Legislatures. Chicago Tribune Read the article.

More public venues allowing live blogging, Tweeting--including courts
Today, live proceedings are broadcast from the legislatures of 47 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. New Mexico Independent Read the article.

Governors mind political currents in steering stimulus funds
Out of the $787 billion provided in the new law (PL-115), governors control about $8.8 billion in multipurpose money, said Michael Bird, a policy analyst for the National Conference of State Legislatures. CQ Politics Read the article.

Voter ID bill generates hot debate in Texas Senate
Twenty-four states require some form of voter identification, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Seven require photo IDs: Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan and South Dakota. Fort Worth Star Telegram Read the article.

Gun lobbyists ready for state showdown
In Illinois, the pressure this year is targeted at legislation to let citizens carry concealed weapons with training and a permit. Illinois and Wisconsin are the only two states banning such action, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Chicago Tribune Read the article.

Debate over voter ID opens in Senate
Republicans called in election officials from Georgia and Indiana, two of the seven states that — according to the National Conference of State Legislatures — require voters to produce a photo ID. The Associated Press in the Houston Chronicle Read the article.

Bill banning texting while driving hits speed bump
The NCSL also says California, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, Utah and Washington and the District of Columbia have banned hand-held phone use by all drivers. Legislatures in other states have prohibited cell phone use by younger drivers or school bus drivers. Kingsport Times News Read the article.

‘Young invincibles’
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures , “Young adults’ ability to attain and secure health insurance coverage for themselves is often difficult. Ordinary transitions in and out of school and jobs throughout their 20s affects their ability to remain on their parent’s or guardian’s policy or become eligible for employer-sponsored health insurance... Minnesota Daily Read the article.

Gov: W.Va. must cut 2 percent from proposed budget
The National Conference of State Legislatures reports that the deficits threatening at least 24 states equal 10 percent or more of their general revenue budgets. Bluefield Daily Telegraph Read the article.

Bills would ban some driver cell phone use
Only six states and the District of Columbia have banned hand-held phones for drivers, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The Associated Press in the Dallas Morning News Read the article.

Taxpayers billed $211 million in auction-rate failure
Local governments aren’t demanding that fees be eliminated, even though they face a cumulative $47.4 billion budget deficit this fiscal year before receiving federal stimulus funds, the Denver-based National Conference of State Legislatures estimated last month.  Bloomberg Read the article.

Push to salvage voter ID bill fails
Of the 24 states that have a voter-ID requirement, seven specify that a photograph be shown to prove identification, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Commercial Dispatch Read the article.

Bill advances making student-teacher sex a felony
In the last two years, lawmakers in at least 22 states adopted new laws or policies meant to keep sex offenders out of the classroom, including expanding background checks, and closing loopholes that allowed cases to go unreported and let teachers move on to another school with clean records, said Michelle Exstrom, a senior policy specialist for the National Conference of State Legislatures. The Associated Press in The State Read the article.

Texas lawmakers in showdown over voter ID law
Twenty-four states require some form of voter identification, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Seven require photo ID: Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan and South Dakota. Fort Worth Star Telegram Read the article.

W.Va. jobless comp fund plummeting toward crisis
Nearly a dozen states have tapped a federal loan program since December to avoid trust fund insolvency, including neighboring Kentucky and Ohio, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The Associated Press in Forbes Read the article.

Volatile voter ID debate to hit Senate
Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan and South Dakota require a photo ID , according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Houston Chronicle Read the article.

New Jersey closer to becoming 11th state with "silver alert" system for missing elderly
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, New Jersey would join Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Texas and Virginia with "Silver Alert" systems. Politicker Read the article.

Legislator bids to force images to be blurred 
Pam Greenberg, who tracks Internet and technology issues for the National Conference of State Legislatures, said California appears to be the first state to consider restrictions on Internet photos of potential terror targets. London Free Press Read the article.

Texas Senate braces for voter ID storm
Only seven states specify that voters must show a photo ID. For more details about voter ID laws in other states, visit the National Conference of State Legislatures web site. News 8 Austin Read the article.

NC Legislature must make boundary changes again
About 25 states have some restrictions or guidelines in their laws relatively similar to North Carolina involving how districts can be drawn. The decision could affect how districts with sizable minority groups are fashioned, said Tim Storey, a redistricting expert at the National Conference of State Legislatures. The Associated Press on WRAL Read the article.

Federal bailout of states violates U.S. constitution
With more than 41 states facing budget deficits in the current fiscal year, governors are asking the federal government for $1 trillion to help them pay for education, infrastructure projects, and a host of social and health-care programs, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Americans for Constitutional Government Reform Blog Read the article.

Bill seeks earlier start for legislative sessions
Officials of the National Conference of State Legislatures, a clearinghouse for legislative data, said that Louisiana is the last state to begin its annual sessions. Times Picayune Read the article.

Young and homeless a target in Ohio's election
Turnout have be 10 percent to 17 percent complex than the national hurry of the mill in the six states that had same-day registration and voting formerly 2006, in configuration of very well as in North Dakota (which doesn't have member of the electorate registration), according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. MP3 Blues Blog Read the article.

Longtime residents not allowed in-state tuition
Debate on this issue continues nationally, with 30 states having considered legislation to allow illegal immigrants to receive in-state tuition since 2001, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Ten states passed the legislation, but in 2007 Oklahoma repealed its law. New York Times Read the article.

How much does it cost to run the Legislature?
Lawmakers are paid about $35,000 a year, which is about the national average, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Stamford Advocate Read the article.

Parents of autistic kids seek help
States with autism laws require insurers to cover therapy for children into early adulthood, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The Washington Post in the Nashua Telegraph Read the article.

Matching funds aim of state hospital tax
Forty-three states and Washington have similar taxes - commonly called provider taxes - on various health-care providers, including rehabilitation centers and managed care organizations, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Some states have had such taxes for 10 to 20 years, said Richard Cauchi, health program director at the National Conference of State Legislatures. Arkansas Democrat Gazette Read the article.

Experts suggest caution with using stimulus funds
While the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act provides an unprecedented funding stream from the federal government to the states, the National Conference of State Legislatures warned that the tap eventually will run dry. “After two years, we do walk off the cliff and the enhancements are no longer there,” said David Shreve, an education policy expert with the NCSL. Lawrence Journal Read the article.

Opponents of nursing home bill outraged
If passed by the legislature and signed by Gov. Pat Quinn, the measure could make Illinois the only state to refund nursing home fines, according to the Denver-based National Conference of State Legislatures. State Journal Register Read the article.

States consider porn and pot as tax sources
“The most common phrase you hear from the states is ‘Everything is on the table,’?” said Arturo Perez, a fiscal analyst with the National Conference of State Legislatures who predicted the worst financial year for states since the end of World War II. The New York Times in the Houston Chronicle Read the article.

House to vote on Senate vacancy bill
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, Rhode Island is one of 38 states in which the governor appoints replacements to open U.S. Senate seats until the next regularly scheduled general election is held. In a handful of those states — Arizona, Hawaii, Utah and Wyoming — the appointee must be of the same political party as that of the departing senator. Another 12 states require special elections to fill the remainder of the unexpired term, including Vermont and Massachusetts, though there is a 145- to 160-day window in Massachusetts in which the governor is empowered to make an interim appointment, according to the NCSL. Providence Journal Read the article.

Federal policy: Embryonic stem cell research
There are currently no federal limits on private embryonic stem cell research, but some state laws restrict not only private funding but research on human embryos altogether, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. South Dakota, for example, forbids all research on embryos outside of a woman's body. WPTZ-TV Read the article.

State should expand coverage under EPIC
According to the National Conference of State (Legislatures) Legislators, between 2000 and 2006 at least 26 states authorized and/or started pharmaceutical assistance programs, many intended to aid low-income elderly or persons with disabilities who do not qualify for Medicaid. Opinion in the Lower Hudson News Journal Read the article.

Oklahoma considers raising limits on adult dependents
According to a 2007 National Conference of (Legislatures) Legislators report, several states now require insurers to cover dependents longer. Oklahoman Read the article.

The art of blowing it
But the 54-year-old Latina, who bolted into the spotlight by leading the “gang of 11” Democrats on their 45-day New Mexico walk-out to protest the Republicans’ redistricting plot in 2003, has solid experience and the sort of national profile (friend of Pelosi, co-chair of the ‘08 Democratic National Convention, past chair of the National Conference of State Legislatures) that could make her a contender. Editorial in the Texas Observer Read the article.

My appointments for the Supreme Court
Vicki Miles-LaGrange, on the Law and Justice Committee of the National Conference of State (Legislatures) Legislators. From 1986 to 1993, she served in the Oklahoma Legislature while also conducting a private law practice. Huffington Post Read the article.

Iowa lawmakers may ban Salvia
Matthew Gever, a policy associate for the nonpartisan National Conference of State Legislatures, said 16 states now classify Salvia as a Schedule-I controlled substance, with all of the laws coming since 2005. The Daily Iowan Read the article.

GOP week in review
According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, of the 24 states that have a voter-ID requirement, seven states specify a photograph be shown to prove identification, including neighboring states Georgia, Florida, and Louisiana. Clarksville Online Read the article.

How can communities manage undocumented immigrants? Keep an eye on Connecticut.
The National Conference of State Legislatures reports that over 1,100 state and local measures have already been proposed this year. Feet in 2 Worlds Blog Read the article.

N.C. lawmakers hope to raise pay
But a recent study by the National Conference of State Legislatures found that North Carolina lawmakers had a lower base salary than 22 other legislatures that have similar session lengths and staff sizes. Charlotte Observer Read the article.

W.Va. leaders wary of shoring budget with stimulus
At least 43 states have closed or still face gaps in their ongoing budgets that together topped $50 million at one point, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. The Associated Press in the Herald Dispatch Read the article.

Black leaders set records in state legislatures
Those leaders are part of a growing movement of African Americans serving in state legislatures, often steppingstones to higher office. The number of black state legislators has risen from 401 in 1986 to a record 628, accounting for 9% of state lawmakers, says Morgan Cullen of the National Conference of State Legislatures. USA Today Read the article.

Textual harassment on the rise
States have scrambled to react to the new threat. Forty-six states now have anti-stalking laws that refer to electronic forms of communication, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. Sydney Morning Herald Read the article.

One time funding for one time projects
A Senate committee has been working with the National Conference of State Legislatures to work through the bill and make sure that Missouri taxpayers are protected from irresponsible provisions that could put our state in a bind. Joplin Independent Read the article.

Techbits: What's in a name like Kumo?
Pam Greenberg, who tracks Internet and technology issues for the National Conference of State Legislatures, said California appears to be the first state to consider restrictions on Internet photos of potential terrorist targets. Post Bulletin Read the article.

Stalkers turn to cell phones to 'textually harass'
Forty-six states now have anti-stalking laws that refer to electronic forms of communication, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures. But only four states in the country -- Tennessee, Texas, Utah and Washington -- explicitly name text messaging. Sci-Tech Today Read the article.

Ariz. governor proposes temporary tax increase
The projected $3 billion shortfall would represent 28 percent of the next fiscal year's budget based on spending of $11 billion. Only Nevada's shortfall at 37.6 percent would be larger by percentage, according to a National Conference of State Legislatures survey conducted in January. MSNBC Read the article.

Beacon Hill roll call
Amendment supporters said that values-based training, preferred by the National Conference of State Legislators, is done in person while rules-based training is impersonal and often done on the Internet. Sharon Advocate Read the article.

A case for legislative term limits at the federal level
Many arguments exist that establish the need for legislative term limits.  The National Conference of State Legislatures indicates that “15 states…currently have term limits for legislators.” The Daily Quio Blog Read the article.