Senate committee approves resolution recognizing National Conference of State Legislatures' 50th anniversary

The Montana Senate Committee on Legislative Administration voted to pass Senate Joint Resolution 10 on a voice vote, recommending recognition of the National Conference of State Legislatures’ 50th anniversary. Senator Barry Usher (R.), sponsor of SJ 10, presented the resolution and stood ready for questions before the committee approved the measure in executive action.

The resolution notes NCSL’s role in professional development, research support for state legislators and staff, and bipartisan information-sharing. “It’s a great organization,” Sen. Barry Usher said, citing NCSL’s training programs, research support and assistance to legislatures that lack dedicated personal staff. Kalli Wicks testified as a proponent and said NCSL “allows for bipartisan and nonpartisan sharing between legislatures and states” and provides learning opportunities for staff and legislators. Drew Geiger, who said he formerly worked at the conference, described the organization as “very nonpartisan” and praised its central-location staffing model.

Joe Triem, deputy director of the Legislative Fiscal Division, appeared as an informational witness after being mentioned by the sponsor and said he is available to answer questions about staff interfaces with NCSL; he noted his service on national staff coordinating committees. No opponents testified. The committee’s discussion included questions about whether passage would change Montana’s relationship with NCSL; Usher said the resolution does not create any obligations and that NCSL did not request commitments through the measure.

Vice Chair Emerich moved that SJ 10 do pass; the motion was seconded and carried by voice vote. The transcript records Senator Zolnikoff as recorded “aye” by proxy. The resolution is a formal recognition of NCSL’s milestone and does not appropriate funds or direct state agencies to take action.

SJ 10 was presented as a commemorative, membership-acknowledging measure rather than a change in policy or funding. The sponsor and proponents emphasized NCSL’s role providing research and training that supports Montana legislators and staff.

The committee closed the hearing on SJ 10 and proceeded to other agenda items.