July 23, 2004
State Lawmakers Take Strong Stand Against Federal Preemption
Annual NCSL business meeting sets agenda for lobbying
activity
SALT LAKE CITY - The nation's state lawmakers renewed their fight
against the federal preemption of states' rights by enacting policies that
will guide the National Conference of State Legislatures' lobbying
activity on Capitol Hill.
Of particular concern to lawmakers this year, were issues relating to
financial services, electronic commerce, welfare reform and drug
reimportation.
"Over the last several years, state legislatures have faced a number of
public policy challenges - not the least of which has been the ongoing
budget crisis," said incoming NCSL President John Hurson, a member of the
Maryland House of Delegates. "The last things states need to deal
with at this point is continued federal preemption and unfunded
mandates. The policies enacted today strengthen NCSL's position
as the premier advocate for states' rights and gives us the
tools to work with our colleagues on Capitol Hill."
NCSL's annual business meeting is an opportunity for state lawmakers
from around the country to exchange ideas and debate ideas being
considered in Washington that will have an impact on state public
policies.
Key resolutions enacted at the business meeting include:
Communications, Technology and Interstate Commerce
Committee
- NCSL Urges Congressional Adoption of the Streamlined Sales and
Use Tax Act - S. 1736 / HR 3184 As Introduced: This
resolution calls on Congress to swiftly consider and approve the
Streamlined Sales and Use Tax Act giving states the authority to require
remote sellers (online, catalogue, etc.) to collect state sales
taxes.
Financial Services Committee
- State-Federal Framework for Insurance Regulatory
Modernization: This resolution establishes NCSL's committment
to work with Congress on the creation of a state-federal framework for
insurance regulation. The resolution also renews NCSL's belief
that insurance regulation is a function of state government and states
should continue their effort to modernize and streamline the regulatory
process.
- Banking Regulation: The NCSL Banking Regulation
resolution renews state lawmakers committment to the dual banking system
which preserves the states' right to charter and regulate banks and
thrifts.
- State Sovereignty in Financial Services: This
resolution affirms the states' right to regulate banking, insurance,
securities and credit unions in order to meet the needs of local
economies and respond to the values and concerns of local
citizens.
Health Committee
- Drug Reimportation, Regulation of Internet Pharmacies and Drug
Safety: NCSL believes that it should be a national priority
to expand access to affordable prescription drugs. The resolutions
calls on the Food and Drug Administration to clarify its policy
regarding the "criminalization" of drug reimportation for personal
use. The policy also calls on Congress to establish standards for
internet pharmacies.
Human Services and Welfare
Committee
- Consideration of Welfare Reform Reauthorization:
States have been left in the lurch since the historic welfare reform
program expired in September, 2003. Numerous extensions have kept
the program going but has created a great deal of uncertainty for
states. This resolution encourages Congress to reauthorize the
welfare reform program or enact the longest possible multi-year
extension of the current program.
NCSL is the bipartisan organization that serves the legislators and
staffs of the states, commonwealths and territories. It provides research,
technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas
on the most pressing state issues and is an effective and respected
advocate for the interests of the states in the American federal
system.
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