A delegation of three members of the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores (ALRAA) is participating in the 2025 edition of the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), which is taking place from Monday, August 4, to Wednesday, August 6, in Boston, Massachusetts.

The Azorean delegation is composed of João Bruto da Costa, member of the PSD Parliamentary Group, Vasco Cordeiro, member of the PS Parliamentary Group, and João Mendonça, member of the PPM Parliamentary Representation.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the NCSL, bringing together more than 5,000 participants, including legislators, parliamentary advisors, and political representatives from around the world to discuss issues of great relevance to the current political agenda.

Over three days, participants will have the opportunity to attend and participate in various thematic sessions and round tables focusing on areas such as the application of artificial intelligence in legislative work, state trade and fiscal policies, citizenship and electoral processes, cybersecurity, public health, and infrastructure challenges, among other issues that are fundamental to state governance in the US.

The conference program highlights, among others, sessions dedicated to the use of artificial intelligence in the functioning of parliamentary institutions, the impact of tariffs and international trade policies on regional economies, the analysis of electoral laws and the documentary evidence required to exercise the right to vote, as well as the assessment of the most recent decisions of the US Supreme Court and their influence on state policies.

This year’s edition also includes a session commemorating the 50th anniversary of the NCSL, which will feature the participation of historical figures from the organization and a broad reflection on the conference’s journey over the last few decades.

It should be noted that the Legislative Assembly of the Autonomous Region of the Azores has been participating in this international conference since 2012, to strengthen the technical and political knowledge of its representatives and promote institutional cooperation with other legislative bodies through the sharing of good practices and the exchange of experiences on the current challenges facing regional and state parliaments.

in Diário Dos Açores

Translated to English as a community outreach program from the Portuguese Beyond Borders Institute (PBBI) and the Modern and Classical Languages and Literatures Department (MCLL) as part of Bruma Publication and ADMA (Azores-Diaspora Media Alliance) at California State University, Fresno, PBBI thanks Luso Financial for sponsoring NOVIDADES.