Committee recommends due pass for resolution honoring NCSL's 50th anniversary and moves it to consent calendar

John Bjornson, director of legislative council, appeared to introduce Senate Concurrent Resolution 4020, which would congratulate and recognize the National Conference of State Legislatures on its 50th anniversary. Bjornson described NCSL as a bipartisan legislative service organization that provides research, policy support and a forum for state legislative leaders; he said the organization’s annual summit and standing committees inform state policy.

Bjornson told the committee the NCSL president alternates between the two major parties and that the organization acts on bipartisan policy positions approved by committee and business meetings. He noted the group will mark its 50th anniversary at its summer summit in Boston, Aug. 4–6.

Representative Steiner asked why the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) does not receive the same state reimbursement as NCSL; Bjornson said the legislature is a dues‑paying member of NCSL and the state is a dues‑paying member of the Council of State Governments, but that the state has not been a dues‑paying member of ALEC to his knowledge.

Representative Anderson moved a due‑pass recommendation on SCR 4020; Representative Olson seconded. The committee recorded a voice roll indicating majority support; the chair later accepted a motion by Representative Ista, seconded by Representative Haggart, to move the resolution to the consent calendar. The motion to place the resolution on consent carried by voice vote.

By committee action the congratulatory resolution will be placed on the House consent calendar for expedited consideration.