A LEGISLATIVE COMMEMORATION, Recognizing and commending the National Conference of State Legislatures on its fiftieth anniversary in 2025.

WHEREAS, the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL) was founded in 1975 and has evolved during the past half-century to become the premier organization solely dedicated to serving state and territorial legislators and legislative staff; and

WHEREAS, NCSL was created from the merger of three organizations that served or represented state legislatures, and that shared the belief that legislative service is one of democracy's worthiest pursuits; and

WHEREAS, NCSL is a bipartisan organization with three objectives: to advance the effectiveness, independence, and integrity of state legislatures; to foster interstate communication and cooperation; and to ensure states have a strong, cohesive voice in the federal system; and

WHEREAS, our nation's state legislatures are America's laboratories of democracy and have continually shown that they are bodies to tackle emerging challenges; and

WHEREAS, state legislatures are where people from very different backgrounds, representing very different communities, can come together and find common ground; and

WHEREAS, NCSL has facilitated the exchange of ideas, provided critical research and information, and encouraged a rigorous review of complex issues confronting our communities, states, and nation; and

WHEREAS, NCSL strives to strengthen the bonds between America's state legislatures and the international community:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT COMMEMORATED, by the Ninety-Ninth Legislature of the State of South Dakota, that the National Conference of State Legislatures is recognized and commended for its superb leadership and commitment to the legislative institution. The Secretary of the Senate is authorized and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to the National Conference of State Legislatures.