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The National Legislative Services and Security Association (NLSSA) was founded in 1973.

The underlying philosophy of the National Legislative Services and Security Association is to see that all of the logistical services that are provided to legislators, staff and the public, function well.

Prior to the trends of the early 1970s toward more open meetings, security in the legislatures could be accomplished simply by closing the door to the chamber and seeing that no one entered. Once the doors were "opened", services and security personnel were not only faced with dealing with constituents but also with the possibility of disruption and violence.

It is the position of NLSSA that all legislative personnel should be concerned about good order and about providing needed services to everyone participating in the legislative process.

Maintaining order, protecting the Capitol and its occupants, dealing with visiting constituents, serving committees, providing supplies, media, lobbyists, ADA, buildings and grounds, accounting, administration, postal services, arranging parking, managing pages and interns, running errands, etc., must all be seen as part of a whole in serving the needs of a legislature.

While the duties of individual members of the Association may differ, there are many common threads that hold the group together. Whether in services or security, members agree that their jobs are to serve the legislature and to help the people make use of public access to the legislature. The Association develops training programs that are designed to assist members with security issues, personnel matters, member services and compliance with federal mandates.

NLSSA is one of ten professional associations or "staff sections," of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL).

Membership - Membership Application

Membership is open to sergeants-at-arms, security personnel, state police, administrative and service staff for state legislatures. Membership is also open to legislators interested in NLSSA. There is a separate membership fee for this association.

Meetings and Conferences

The Association meets in various forms several times a year. Each spring, the four regions of NLSSA hold meetings to provide localized training for those legislative staff who might not be able to travel to conferences outside of the region. In summer, NLSSA meets in association with the NCSL Annual Meeting. Every fall the Association holds the NLSSA Annual Training Conference, an intensive week of professional development and sharing of information.

2008 Calendar

July 22-26	NCSL Annual Meeting	New Orleans, Louisiana	NCSL will hold the 2007 Annual Meeting in New Orleans, Louisiana.
September 21-25	Fall Training Conference	Concord, New Hampshire	Fall Training Conference (professional development specifically for services and security staff)

Publications

NLSSA publishes a newsletter, an annual directory of its members, and in cooperation with NCSL produces Services and Security Inside the Legislature, a comprehensive survey on services and security existent in state legislatures. Protocol: A Handbook for Legislative Staff -- The book offers information on proper protocol with dignitaries and international guests; etiquette in handling state funerals and flags; and legislative ceremonies. Other publications of interest - Publications

Philosophy - NLSSA Mission Statement - NLSSA Zero Tolerance Policy

The underlying philosophy of the National Legislative Services and Security Association is to see that all of the logistical services that are provided to legislators, staff, and the public, function well.

Prior to the trends of the early 1970s toward more open meetings, security in the legislatures could be accomplished simply by closing the door to the chamber and seeing that no one entered. Once the doors were "opened", services and security personnel were not only faced with dealing with constituents but also with the possibility of disruption and violence.

It is the position of NLSSA that all legislative personnel should be concerned about good order and about providing needed services to everyone participating in the legislative process.

Maintaining order, protecting the Capitol and its occupants, dealing with visiting constituents, serving committees, providing supplies, ADA, buildings and grounds, accounting, administration, postal services, arranging parking, managing pages and interns, running errands, etc. must all be seen as part of a whole in serving the needs of a legislature.

While the duties of individual members of the Association may differ, there are many common threads that hold the group together. Whether in services or security, members agree that their jobs are to serve the legislature and to help the people make use of public access to the legislature. The Association develops training programs that are designed to assist members with security issues, personnel matters, member services, and compliance with federal mandates.

A unique facet of NLSSA is its Legislative Advisory Committee. The committee consists of legislators who are interested in maintaining effective services and security in state legislatures. Acting as an advisor to the Association, the Committee offers suggestions for programs and critiques conferences to maintain high standards for staff training.

A memorial to NLSSA Past President Kevin Ebata, who passed away on December 31, 2001.

For more information about NLSSA, write or call:

Morgan Cullen, NCSL Liaison to NLSSA
Phone: 303/856-1431
FAX: 303/364-7800
E-mail: Morgan.Cullen@ncsl.org