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State of Play

NCSL and A Starting Point, the civic engagement platform created by Chris Evans, Mark Kassen and Joe Kiani, have partnered on this nonpartisan, cross-platform content series demystifying state legislatures and public policy. “State of Play” offers video content and lawmaker conversations about the big issues facing states. 

Disaster Resilience

Washington Rep. Cindy Ryu (D) | Hawaii Rep. Lauren Matsumoto (R)

With the frequency and severity of natural disasters on the rise, states seek federal recovery aid that’s easier to apply for and spend.



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Election Security

Maryland Sen. Cheryl Kagan (D) | Missouri Rep. Peggy McGaugh (R)

As states continue to enhance their election security measures, transparency and collaboration remain key to maintaining public trust. Watch two lawmakers share measures their states are taking to ensure safe and fair elections.


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Social Media and Children

Colorado Sen. Chris Hansen (D) | Utah Rep. Jordan Teuscher (R)

As concerns surrounding mental health, privacy and parental consent continue to grow, state legislatures are exploring new regulations to protect children on social media. Hansen and Teushcer discuss how state governments are working to balance parents’ and children’s rights, enhance privacy protections for minors on social media and more.

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Immigration

Arizona Rep. Leo Biasiucci (R) | Rhode Island Rep. Leonela Felix (D)

Immigration is historically a federal issue, but an increase in the number of people coming to the U.S. has brought renewed attention to the way immigration affects state policies. Listen in as two representatives offer their views on how states should approach immigration issues.

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Artificial Intelligence

Texas Rep. Giovanni Capriglione (R) | California Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D)

Legislators in 31 states introduced at least 191 bills focused on artificial intelligence in 2023, with 14 of those bills becoming laws. Two legislators discuss the benefits and risks of the technology and how states are addressing the many issues surrounding it.

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Housing Costs

Minnesota Rep. Esther Agbaje (D) | North Carolina Sen. Paul Newton (R)

Affordable housing is a key issue for state legislatures in 2024, and the topic takes center stage in this episode of “State of Play.” Listen in as two legislators discuss the roles states play in housing policy, how their states are tackling rising housing costs and more.

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Voter ID

North Carolina Sen. Warren Daniel (R) | Maryland Del. Jheanelle Wilkins (D)

As the primary season heats up across the country, voter ID laws are a point of focus as Americans hit the polls. Two legislators discuss how the laws can be written in a way that balances the need for election security while ensuring all eligible voters can vote and more.

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State of Play: NCSL and A Starting Point Join Forces

New video series partnership

“State of Play,” a monthly nonpartisan video series demystifying state legislatures and public policy, will offer explainer-style content and lawmaker conversations about the significant issues states will address in 2024.

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A Starting Point

Video-based civic engagement platform

Created by Chris Evans, Mark Kassen and technology entrepreneur Joe Kiani, ASP aims to create a bipartisan channel of communication and connectivity between Americans and their elected officials with the goal of creating a more informed electorate.

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