2012 Party Composition of State Legislatures

For the current partisan makeup of state legislatures, check out our 2012 party composition chart. More

Legislator Occupations

Full-time legislators have now become the largest occupational group in legislatures with 16.4 percent of legislators classifying themselves as such. Previously, attorneys were the largest occupational group but that profession has decreased substantially over the last three decades from about 25 percent in the mid-'70s to only about 15 percent today. Retired legislators make up the third largest occupational group in legislatures at approximately 12 percent. More

Succession Planning

The managers and leaders of many state legislative staff agencies are “baby boomers” who are fast approaching retirement. Ensuring a smooth, seamless transition to new leadership without inadvertently disrupting the efficiency and effectiveness of the organization requires thoughtful consideration and planning. More

Number of State Legislators and Length of Terms

How many legislators are in each state? What is the length of the term of office?  More

 2011 Maximum Per Diem Rates

 State legislators who live more that 50 miles from the state capitol may choose to claim their district residence as their tax home.  This deduction is known as the "legislator tax home deduction." A 50 state table on the maximum per diem rates and the NCSL guidance letter for this deduction is available on our website. More