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Month Day, 2009 Jay Finegan, 287-1445
Rep. Jarrod Crockett Named to National Panel on Criminal Justice

State Rep. Jarrod Crockett has been named to serve on the Standing Committee on Law and Criminal Justice at the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). The appointment, by House Speaker Hannah Pingree, will put him in a position to influence state and federal policy on important issues, such as states’ rights and criminal justice procedures.

Rep. Crockett (R-Bethel), a first-term legislator, said he is honored by the appointment and by the opportunity to represent Maine at the national level. “This particular committee deals with some of the most critical issues in the country, and I’m looking forward to sharing ideas and solutions with legislators from other states,” he said.

NCSL's Law and Criminal Justice Committee addresses underlying principles for a balanced state-federal system and takes policy positions to preserve state sovereignty and set a high standard for preemption of state laws. The committee's broad jurisdiction includes the constitution and constitutional law, civil rights and liability issues. It also deals with capital punishment, corrections, crime victims, drug crime, juvenile justice, law enforcement and criminal sentencing.

“One of the strengths of the NCSL is its unyielding support for state sovereignty,” said Rep. Crockett. “At a time of growing federal encroachment on states’ right, we’re fortunate to have this strong advocate for federalism. And moreover, when it comes to solving tough policy problems, I believe that the most innovative and imaginative thinking is happening at the state level, not in Washington.”

Rep. Crockett, a practicing attorney, currently serves on the Legislature’s Judiciary Committee, which has jurisdiction over criminal and civil procedure, family law, civil rights, property rights and an extensive range of other legal issues. He said his legislative and legal experience will be a good fit with his NCSL committee assignment.

The NCSL, based in Denver, is a bipartisan organization that provides research, technical assistance and opportunities for policymakers to exchange ideas on the most pressing state issues. It also advocates for the interests of state governments before Congress and federal agencies.

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