CSG, through The National Center for Interstate Compacts, is pleased to announce the publication of "The Evolution of Interstate Compacts." Interstate compacts are the only form of multi-state cooperation specifically referenced in the Constitution.  The brief looks outlines the history of interstate compacts and specifically addresses how modern compacts are being used to addres

The first Drafting Team meeting for the Multi-State Distance Education Reciprocity Compact began with introductions followed by a review of the compacts mechanism and the opportunities it presented.  The Drafting Team then launched into a discussion of the key priciples to guide the drafting of the compact.  After this discussion and lunch, the drafters reviewed their earlier work and refined the language of the outline developed during the morning meeting.  The drafters also reviewed comments from the Advisory Panel and made additions to the outline as needed.

On August 8 I posted a blog discussing North Dakota Governor Jack Dalrymple’s calls for an interstate compact to manage flooding along the Missouri River Basin.  The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is currently responsible for managing flooding along the river.  Frustrated by record spring floods, Gov. Dalrymple thought flood control management could be better handled by the impacted states though the adoption of an interstate compact. 

As expected, Gov. Dalrymple’s proposal was at the center of considerable discussion during a meeting last week between seven of the eight Governors from states bordering the Missouri River.  During the meeting, Governors heard from staff from the Corps about a variety of topics, including the feasibility of developing an interstate compact to manage the river basin.  While it is too early to determine how much support a potential compact has among the impacted states, it is clear that the Army Corps of Engineers does not think a compact is the best mechanism to manage flooding.  Speaking on behalf of the Army Corp of Engineers, Ted Streckfuss suggested any change should occur with input from the states through the “Master Manual” revision process and not through the creation of an interstate compact. 

The Lexington Herald Leader

"Lawmakers and others invested in southern Ohio's economy say the state should work with neighboring Kentucky and West Virginia to help the region realize the shipping potential of the Ohio River.

On Thursday, Missouri became the latest state to join the Health Care Compact after the legislation became law without signature after Missouri Governor Jay Nixon allowed the bill to exceed the signing deadline.

This article reviews interstate relations developments since 2007 pertaining to uniform state laws, interstate compacts and administrative agreements, same-sex marriage, civil unions and other pertinent legal matters.

The National Popular Vote Compact continues to gain momentum in the current legislative session as legislatures debate the merits of a bill which aims to change the method in which the President of the United States is elected.

The Delaware House recently approved the National Popular Vote Interstate Compact.  Delaware is seeking to gain a stronger voice in presidential elections given their small size and 3 electoral votes.  Although there is some debate whether Delaware’s voice would in fact gain strength if the voting procedure were changed.  Also, on Tuesday the New York Senate passed the compact and is waiting on approval from the Assembly for passage.

Since the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act in March 2010, states have launched several initiatives in the effort to preserve their ability to manage health care within their borders.  In addition to the several legal challenges brought by a number of states which are currently being reviewed by various federal circuit courts of appeals, some states have opted for Health Care Compact legislation as an alternative to the health reform bill.