Representative Eric Watson has been appointed to serve as a co-chairman of the National Conference of State Legislatures Law and Criminal Justice Standing Committee. NCSL’s Law and Criminal Justice Standing Committee is one of 10 committees that deals with county, state, and federal issues. The jurisdictions of the standing committees are similar to those of committees in state legislatures.
“NCSL has benefitted from Rep. Watson’s law enforcement experience over the 6 years he has been here,” said NCSL’s President and New Hampshire Representative Teri Norelli. “Watson’s participation will continue to ensure that the states law enforcement agenda is carried out in Washington.”
NCSL standing committees are composed of legislators and legislative staff who are appointed by the leadership of their respective legislatures. The committees explore issues that states have to deal with, and develop policy on state-federal issues to guide NCSL's advocacy efforts in Washington, D.C. Committees do not recommend policy to the legislatures on issues that are internal to the states.
“I am grateful for the opportunity to help lead this committee and continue the stellar work we have done with NCSL on judiciary and law enforcement issues. NCSL is a leading organization that gives voice to state concerns and it is an honor to be part of this group,” said Rep. Watson.
Speaker of the Tennessee House of Representatives, Beth Harwell, congratulated Rep. Watson on the appointment and remarked, “Chairman Watson has proven himself to be an asset to NCSL’s work, just as he is here in Tennessee. I appreciate his hard work and commend him on this well-deserved appointment.”