Welcome!
NCSL is the go-to resource for state legislatures!
As a newly elected legislator, you are now a member of the National Conference of State Legislatures, the nation’s most trusted and respected bipartisan organization serving state legislators and staff for more than 45 years.
Through NCSL, you are an integral part of the community of all legislators—Republicans and Democrats—and legislative staff across the country. NCSL is here to support you with trusted research, new ideas and connections to other legislators across the states.
Three timely ways to tap into NCSL now:
1
State Policy 101
Reserve time on Fridays in February to build your state policy knowledge.
Designed specifically for new legislators and staff, NCSL is offering more than 30 educational sessions on key, cross-cutting policy issues – issues you’ll need to understand during your time in the legislature.
Review the agenda and register today!
2
Prepare for Your First Session.
This training series presented four of our most popular and useful topics in an entertaining and interactive format.
3
Hear Sage Advice On the Go.
Experience is absolutely the best teacher. NCSL asked current and former legislators to share what they wish they knew when they walked into the legislative chamber for the first time.
Listen to What I Wish I Knew, a special two-part podcast created especially for new legislators.
The third episode in the series, Some Sage Advice for New Legislators, is now available.
NCSL is Your Organization
Personal Assistance.
NCSL is committed to serving you. Each state legislature has an NCSL liaison who serves as your personal connection to NCSL. Your state liaison stands ready to quickly coordinate specialized services such as training, custom research requests and expert testimony.
Trusted Research and Analysis.
Information and data needed to make informed decisions. NCSL policy experts continually research thousands of policy issues, and the NCSL website hosts a wealth of reports and 50-state databases on emerging issues, pending legislation and passed laws.
Innovative Policy Approaches.
Inspiration to think differently. Informed by national experts, NCSL publications, podcasts, webinars and meetings highlight promising policies from across the states, cost-saving measures and the out-of-the-box solutions that help drive change.
Bipartisan Conversations.
Fostering important dialogue. Knowing that informed policies are the most effective policies and that all legislators want what is best for their states, NCSL brings together Republicans and Democrats to hear all perspectives and inform policy solutions.
Advocacy on Capitol Hill.
The voice of state legislatures. NCSL is nationally recognized as a formidable lobbying force in Washington, D.C., and works to protect state sovereignty and flexibility, fight against unfunded mandates and oppose unwarranted federal preemption of state authority.
Professional Staff Associations and Networks
NCSL serves all the professions that make legislatures thrive. NCSL serves and strengthens legislative staff through professional staff associations, networks and tailored professional development opportunities.
Legislative Skills Development.
Opportunities to advance your skills. NCSL’s professional development offerings help legislators and staff gain new competencies and hone skills in areas such as leadership, media, ethics, organization, legislative procedures and more.
This page will be updated frequently with new information and opportunities. Add a bookmark and come back soon! In the meantime, if you have a question, simply email getinvolved@ncsl.org
