December 1, 2005
Federal Preemption of States' on Agenda for State Lawmakers at NCSL Fall Forum
Eminent domain, tribal casinos and long-term care top list of policies to be debated
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The nation's state lawmakers will renew their fight against unwarranted preemption of state authority by Congress and the administration at the upcoming meeting of the National Conference of State Legislatures.
State legislators will consider policy resolutions that will shape the nature of the state-federal relationship over the next year. The policies enacted next week at the National Conference of State Legislatures' Fall Forum in Chicago will guide the organization's lobbying activity in Washington, D.C.
Key resolutions to be considered include:
Environment
- Cradle to Grave Electronics Management: This resolution addresses the growing concern over the disposal of used electronics equipment such as cell phones, computers and televisions. The policy encourages the cooperation and assistance of the federal government in the development of an infrastructure to support the widespread recycling and reuse of a broad range of electronic equipment.
Law and Criminal Justice
- Takings and Land Use Authority: The U.S. Supreme Court decision in Kelo v. New London has created a flurry of activity in Congress on the issue of eminent domain. This policy resolution would renew state legislatures' opposition to federal involvement in land use decisions.
- Tribal Gaming: The location of tribal casinos is an issue that has garnered a great deal of attention. If passed, this policy would express state legislators support for federal legislation that would include state legislatures in the public policy decision of whether or not to permit Indian casinos within a particular state.
Financial Services
- Financial Information Security: A proposed amendment to NCSL's Financial Information Security policy would tighten existing language regarding data breach security. The amendment would express NCSL's support of federal legislation that requires notification of individuals whose identifiable data has been breached when the breach creates a reasonable risk of identity theft.
Labor and Workforce Development
- Employee Free Choice Act: This proposed resolution would lend the National Conference of State Legislatures' support to the Employee Free Choice Act, a measure which has been introduced in Congress to strengthen employees ability to organize under union representation.
Health
NCSL's "Winds of Change" Fall Forum meeting will be held December 6 - 9, 2005 at the Hilton Chicago Hotel. In addition to considering policies, state legislators from around the nation and the world will have an opportunity to attend sessions on about an uncertain economy, natural disasters and unfunded federal mandates. EPA Administrator Stephen L. Johnson headlines the list of policy experts slated to be in Chicago. A complete agenda is available on the Fall Forum website, www.ncsl.org/forum.
Credentialed members of the media are encouraged to attend. Journalists can register by sending an e-mail with their name, organization and contact information to press-room@ncsl.org. Or journalists may register onsite by presenting their credentials in the Press Room at the Hilton Chicago Hotel, room PDR 3 on the third floor.
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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