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Idaho Speaker Scott Bedke to Lead NCSL

For Immediate Release

August 3, 2022

Denver — Idaho House Speaker Scott Bedke (R) became the 49th president of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) at the annual Legislative Summit in Denver.

Bedke succeeds Hawaii House Speaker Scott Saiki (D). NCSL, a bipartisan organization that serves the nation’s 7,383 state lawmakers and more than 30,000 legislative staff, alternates its leadership annually between the two parties.

“Good governance is the result of strong, well-informed legislatures that can work collaboratively and effectively with the executive and judicial branches,” Bedke said. “Our system of checks and balances, with three separate but equal branches, depends on a strong, well-informed legislative branch. NCSL’s mission is to strengthen the legislative branch of every state’s government by providing the programs and support that enable us to more effectively perform our responsibilities as legislators. I am eager to contribute to NCSL’s continued success and shape its future direction.”

Bedke has served 10 terms in the Idaho House of Representatives and has served as speaker since December 2012. He served on NCSL’s Executive Committee and on various subcommittees before running to be the organization’s vice president.

Bedke is a fourth-generation rancher from Oakley, Idaho, who graduated from Oakley High School and received his bachelor’s degree from Brigham Young University.


NCSL is a 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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