Download the PDF Version of this Report

Introduction:

Western Legislative Innovations is a product of the Committee on the Future of Western Legislatures, Council of State Governments-WEST (CSGWEST).

In preparation for our September 14, 2010 Western Legislative Innovations Fair, CSG-WEST asked each of our 13 Western legislatures to submit brief papers outlining legislative branch innovations.  The goal of this publication is to advance CSG’s long-held commitment to “sharing good ideas across state borders.”

From Alaska to Hawaii and points in between, we received dozens of creative ideas for running legislatures more efficiently and with greater transparency. Western innovations come in all sizes and shapes—ranging from new technology to member and staff training to capitol renovation to constituent communications and more. One state legislature offers child care for children of legislators and staff. Another turned its capitol into a modern art gallery, complete with curator. And another created a public access room in its capitol to bring the public into the legislative process.

We appreciate the lawmakers and staff who took time out from their busy schedules to contribute to this product. Special thanks go to the Idaho Legislature for publishing it.

If lawmakers find only one new idea in Western Legislative Innovations to apply to their own legislatures, we will be satisfied with our work.

Arizona Senator Carolyn Allen
Chair, Committee on the Future of Western Legislatures

Washington Representative Sam Hunt
Vice Chair, Committee on the Future of Western Legislatures