State Council Toolkit

Individuals considering service on a State Council should review:

• Term of appointment

• Meeting frequency and format

• Any financial disclosure requirements associated with the position

• Any statutory obligations or requirements for serving on a board in your state

In most cases, these details will be outlined in your appointment letter. Your state’s Compact Office can also provide additional information to help ensure you have a clear understanding of your role and responsibilities.

• Term of appointment 

• Meeting frequency and format 

• Whether there are financial disclosure requirements related to this position 

• Whether there are statutory obligations or requirements for serving on a board in your state 

In most instances, your appointment letter should explain these terms; or your compact office should be able to provide you with additional details to ensure you have a clear understanding of your role and responsibilities.

When recommending individuals for appointment to a State Council, states may wish to consider several factors to help ensure the council is effective and representative:

• Willingness to Serve: Is the candidate willing to take on the role and commit the time needed to fulfill its responsibilities?

• Interest in the Compact and Corrections: Does the candidate have an interest in the goals of the Compact and the broader corrections field?

• Reputation in the Community: Is the candidate respected within the criminal justice community and recognized for their expertise or contributions?

• Professional Connections: Does the candidate bring relationships or networks that could support collaboration and communication with key stakeholders?

• Diversity of Perspective: Does the candidate offer perspectives, experiences, or backgrounds that contribute to thoughtful and well-rounded decision-making?

Considering these factors can help states identify individuals who will effectively support the work and mission of the Compact.

A State Council serves as a support and coordination body that promotes collaboration among state officials, the Compact Administrator, and community partners. Its role is to help ensure the Interstate Compact operates effectively within the state. This includes supporting operational oversight, addressing challenges, and sharing best practices that strengthen interstate supervision, enhance public safety, and support successful outcomes for individuals under Compact supervision.

Most State Councils meet at least once per year. However, councils may choose to meet more frequently to better address emerging issues, encourage collaboration, and support strategic planning.

Meeting frequency should reflect the council’s priorities, the complexity of issues being addressed, and the needs of the state. Establishing a regular meeting schedule helps promote engagement, encourages active participation, and strengthens the council’s ability to support effective interstate supervision.

According to Article IV, State Councils are responsible for:

• Appointing the state’s Commissioner to serve on the Interstate Commission (appointment authority may rest with the State Council or the governor in consultation with the legislature and judiciary, refer to your state’s statute);

• Determining the membership of the State Council; and

• Providing oversight and advocacy, including developing operating policies for the state’s interstate compact office.

In addition to the requirements outlined in the Statute, ICAOS Policy 03-2009 establishes additional reporting requirements for State Councils. national office by December 31st of each year and must contain any updates to the council’s roster and any meetings that occurred during the reporting year. One of these requirements is the submission of an annual report to the National Office by December 31 of each year. The annual report must include:

• Any updates to the State Council’s membership roster; and

• A summary of State Council meetings held during the reporting year.

The State Council Dashboard, which supports annual reporting and provides access to related information, can be found here.

Beyond statutory and policy requirements, State Councils often play an important role in strengthening the Compact’s implementation within their state. Common functions include:

• Evaluating Compact Processes: Reviewing existing procedures to identify opportunities for improved efficiency and effectiveness.

• Reviewing Reports: Examining annual reports, compliance data, and dashboards to monitor adherence to Compact rules and standards.

• Monitoring Legislative and Policy Developments: Considering legislative or policy initiatives that may affect the Compact within the state.

• Supporting Training Efforts: Recommending or helping coordinate training for Compact administrators, field staff, and other state partners.

• Facilitating Dispute Resolution: Assisting in addressing issues or disputes related to Compact operations within the state.

• Coordinating Compact Activities: Promoting communication and coordination among the executive, legislative, and judicial branches on Compact matters.

• Raising Awareness: Increasing understanding of the Compact among state leaders, partner agencies, and community stakeholders.

State Councils play an important role in supporting the effective operation of the Interstate Compact within their state. Councils often serve as a forum for discussion, coordination, and problem-solving on a variety of Compact-related issues, including:

Implementation of Compact Rules

• Reviewing how ICAOS rules are being implemented within the state.

• Identifying challenges or barriers to effective implementation.

• Recommending improvements or potential rule changes for consideration at regional or national levels.

Treatment of Compact Individuals

• Discussing whether individuals supervised under the Compact receive the same treatment as those supervised within the state.

• Identifying policies, practices, or state laws that may affect consistent or equitable supervision.

Staffing and Resource Needs

• Evaluating whether the state has sufficient staffing and resources to support Compact operations.

• Assessing whether appropriate data and reporting tools are available to measure the effectiveness of Compact rules and supervision practices.

• Considering the role of fees or other funding mechanisms and how they may affect resources, equity, and consistent supervision practices.

State Councils can play a key role in monitoring compliance and identifying opportunities to improve how the Compact operates within their state. Common areas of focus include:

Monitoring Compliance Rates

• Reviewing the state’s compliance rates using dashboard reports provided by the National Office.

• Identifying areas where improvement may be needed.

• Developing strategies to strengthen compliance with Compact rules and requirements.

• Exploring practices used by other states to improve compliance and considering whether similar approaches may be adopted.

Streamlining Processes

• Identifying opportunities to improve operational processes, such as warrant issuance and tracking, to support timely and effective retaking.

• Encouraging training for compact officers, prosecutors, judges, and other stakeholders to enhance efficiency and understanding of Compact procedures.

• Promoting stronger collaboration with jails, the judiciary, victim advocacy organizations, prosecutors, and other state partners involved in Compact-related activities.

An effective State Council actively supports the implementation of the Interstate Compact within the state and promotes collaboration among key stakeholders. The following practices can help strengthen a council’s effectiveness:

Utilize the Council

• Engage the council in discussions about legislative changes, operational challenges, and opportunities to improve Compact implementation.

• Use the council as a forum to share feedback, highlight successes, and develop informed recommendations.

Foster Communication

• Maintain open and regular communication with key partners, including law enforcement, the judiciary, corrections professionals, and victim advocacy organizations.

• Consider hosting informational sessions or events to increase awareness of the Compact and the state’s related activities.

Set Clear Expectations

• Clearly define the roles, duties, and responsibilities of State Council members.

• Ensure members understand their responsibilities and how their participation contributes to the council’s overall goals.

Ensure Compliance

• Regularly review whether the state is meeting its Compact obligations and complying with ICAOS rules.

• Use available reports and data to identify areas that may require attention or improvement.

Provide Education

• Offer training opportunities for State Council members and other key stakeholders.

• Training may be provided by the ICAOS National Office or tailored to address the specific needs and circumstances of your state.

Engage Actively

• Involve State Council members and Compact staff in strategic discussions about operations, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.

• Ongoing engagement helps identify emerging issues and supports proactive solutions.

Seek Assistance

• Reach out to the ICAOS National Office or other member states for guidance and support on processes, procedures, enforcement issues, data analysis, and information sharing.