You want to know what? NCSL is ready and waiting to answer just about any question.

• Author: Harrison, Blake
• Position: National Conference of State Legislatures

Anyone who has worked in or with a state legislature knows that topics can range from the mundane to the bizarre. NCSL has seen them all. People call to ask about elections, state laws on methamphetamines, state budget conditions and eminent domain policies. They also call when they want to know how many states prohibit Internet hunting, whether states prohibit legislators from marrying lobbyists, or if any states allow NASCAR license plates.

At NCSL, we take on all comers. Staff experts answer 10,000 information requests each year, the majority from legislators and legislative staff. These questions are our highest priority. If we don't have an answer, we'll do our best to find someone who does.

ASKING A QUESTION

Legislators and staff can submit questions through a form on our website or by contacting staff in the Denver or Washington, D.C., offices. We might not always have a 50-state comparative chart for your question. But, depending on needs, legislators and staff can expect to receive any relevant NCSL reports or briefs as well as some background information about a topic. Trained NCSL staff also can search databases for statutes, bills and administrative codes from all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. If we can't find specifically what you're looking for, we can refer you to another contact who may be able to help.

HOW TO DO IT

With 150 policy staff spread between two offices, it can be difficult to navigate NCSL and find the correct person to answer your question. Our seasoned staff will happily route a misdirected call to the appropriate staffer, but some tips may help you get the best and quickest response to your question.

1

Find the right NCSL office. Staff in our Denver office work on issues in the states. Our Washington, D.C., staff tackle federal concerns. If you want an update on a bill in Congress, information about federal agency regulations or federal programs, or the latest on an NCSL lobbying position, the best place to start is in D.C. For most other issues, the NCSL expert will likely be in Denver.

2

Use your NCSL staff liaison. NCSL assigns at least one person to act as a staff liaison with each state or territory. Identify the staff assigned to you and use them as a resource. Your staff liaison can help narrow your question and route you to the appropriate person for a response. If you don't get a prompt or adequate answer, your staff liaison also can help follow up.

3

Call...