Description: The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) is a bipartisan, nonprofit membership organization that serves state legislators and legislative staff from the 50 states, U.S. territories, and the District of Columbia by providing research, policy analysis, technical assistance, professional development, and forums for interstate collaboration to improve state policymaking. Type: Nonprofit, bipartisan membership organization (state legislative association) Policies: Supports and analyzes a broad range of state-level policy areas including state budgets and fiscal policy, Medicaid and health care, K–12 and higher education, elections and redistricting, criminal justice, energy and environment, workforce and economic development, telecommunications and technology, and state–federal relations; also focuses on legislative process, staff training, and best practices for governance. Funding: Primarily funded by membership dues from state legislatures and legislative staff, fees for conferences and training, grants and contracts from foundations and government agencies, sponsorships, and philanthropic contributions to its affiliated foundation. Affiliates: NCSL Foundation; peer organizations such as the Council of State Governments and the National Governors Association; state legislative research and fiscal offices and bipartisan legislative leadership across state capitols.
