Legislative Effectiveness Committee

Fall Forum Committee Agenda
December 9-10, 2010

(As of November 29, 2010)

 Thursday | Friday 

Thursday, December 9

Ethics: Becoming the Problem Solvers

McArthur 5, Level 1

We need to share information on how states successfully prevent or resolve ethical problems. With state legislatures varying from part-time to full-time status, ethical procedures and standards don’t come in a one-size-fits-all package. This session will analyze some of the procedures currently in place with an emphasis on examining how legislatures can avoid problems and work swiftly to solve the problems that do occur.

Moderator: Peggy Kerns, Director, Center for Ethics in Government, Colorado

Panelists: Senator Bruce Starr, Oregon
Senator Pamela Althoff, Illinois
John Hurson, Personal Care Products Council, Maryland

Moving from Campaigning to Legislating

McArthur 5, Level 1

Legislators often have a tough time putting a contentious campaign behind them and transitioning to the attitude of respect and consensus building that is needed to create strong legislation. Anger and a sense of cutthroat completion may linger throughout the session. Staff can be deeply affected by this as well. This session looks at how to use new member orientation and other opportunities to make the switch.

Moderator: Anne Sappenfield, Senior Staff Attorney, Legislative Council Staff, Wisconsin 

Presenters: Senator Richard Moore, Massachusetts, NCSL President
Senator Terrie Huntington, Kansas
Jeff Finch, Deputy Clerk of the House, Virginia

Friday, December 10

Using Technology in the Chamber and Capitol

McArthur 5, Level 1

This session features states that have recently brought new legislative IT systems into practice. Presenters provide tips on how to sort through the options and make the wisest and most fiscally prudent decisions.

Moderator:  Tim Rice, Executive Director, Legilsative Information Systems, Illinois, NCSL Staff Chair

Presenters:  David Larson, Director, Legislative Computer Services, Kansas
Russell Humphrey, Senate Chief Clerk, Tennessee
Tara Perkinson, Deputy Clerk, Senate, Virginia

Legislative Effectiveness Committee Business Meeting

Kaibab, Level 1

Committee officers and members discuss plans for the Spring Forum and committee work products.

Presiding Officers: Senator Dori Connor, Delaware

Plenary Luncheon

Lou Cannon, respected journalist and critically acclaimed author of President Reagan: The Role of a Lifetime, is an astute observer of politics and elections. This former Washington Post writer will give his insights into the November election, what it means for Congress and the impact on the states.

Civility in Government: A Workshop

McArthur 2, Level 1

How can increased civility in government facilitate the work legislators and staff are trying to do? Participate with experienced trainers from the Institute for Civility in Government in this hands-on session. 

Presiding Officer: Senator Richard Moore, Massachusetts

Trainers: Cassandra Dahnke and Tomas Spath, Institute for Civility in Government

Security, Privacy and Civility in Cyberspace

McArthur 5, Level 1

Social media tools like Facebook and Twitter are now considered mainstream, but what governs their use? When user’s private behavior or communications are disclosed or they are bullied online, the consequences can be devastating. Learn about laws and practices that protect privacy and safety and promote civility online.

Moderator: Assemblymember William C. Horne, Nevada
Senator Pamela J. Althoff, Illinois 

Panelists: Susan Brenner, University of Dayton School of Law, Ohio
Justin Fitzsimmons, National Center for Prosecution of Child Abuse, Virginia
Nicky Jackson Colaco, Facebook, California