OTHER SOURCES FOR
LEGISLATIVE INFORMATION

There are several outside sources of information pertaining to legislative issues. These sources are used extensively by state governments throughout the nation. The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), the Council of State Governments (CSG) and federal agencies are widely used as a source of information by the states.

The National Conference of State Legislatures is funded by all 50 states and the legislators and legislative staff of each state are entitled to use its services. NCSL provides information, technical assistance and, at the federal level, lobbying services.

The Washington, D.C. office, which specializes in state/federal relations and congressional relations, may be reached at 202-624-5400. The Denver, Colorado office, which specializes in activities in the states, may be reached at 303-830-2200.

The NCSL publishes several periodicals on a regular basis. Some of the publications include:

• Capital to Capital. This report, which is issued every two weeks, focuses on current state and federal issues and events occurring in the states;

• State Legislatures. This monthly publication describes major issues that confront several state legislatures;

• Legislative Guide. This is a legislative guide that treats specific issues in depth; and

• Legisbrief. This publication appears about four times per month. Each brief is a one-page summary of a timely issue and its status in the states.

The Law and Legislative Reference Library collection includes NCSL reports and audio tapes of NCSL's annual meeting. The library has a current index of Legisbrief titles. The NCSL is also on the World Wide Web at http://www.ncsl.org/ The site provides news, information about NCSL and links to state government sites.

The Council of State Governments is an information agency created and supported by all state legislatures. The CSG conducts research on state programs and issues, maintains an information library, assists in state and federal relations and helps coordinate state and regional cooperative efforts. The headquarters of CSG is in Lexington, Kentucky at 606-244-8000. The eastern office of CSG is in New York City at 212-912-0128. The CSG website is at http://www.statesnews.org/

The CSG publishes a number of books and periodicals available to legislators and their staffs. Of particular use are the following:

• The Book of States. This biennial work contains many tables of information about state government and essays on current issues;

• Directories (titles vary). CSG publishes three directories every two years. They cover: a) state elected officials; b) state administrative officers; and c) state legislative leadership and staff;

• State Government News. This monthly publication provides news and discussion of issues of interest to state government; and

• Spectrum. This quarterly publication provides analysis on selected public policy issues.

The Law and Legislative Reference Library collection includes CSG publications.

TABLE OF CONTENTS