The award recognizes the progress made by state legislatures in advancing toward 21st century governance through online access and participation in the legislative process. The criteria focus on how information technology enhances legislative transparency and public understanding of the process.
The Arizona Legislative Information System (ALIS) allows the public to create individualized bill-tracking systems, among many other features and services. Arizona also boasts a 100 percent usage rate of members with laptops.
The Louisiana Legislature's joint Web page garnered the state a second place award with a broad array of legislative information.
Connecticut, Kentucky and South Dakota tied for third place honors offering similar online services. All three states provide bill tracking and e-mail notification of activity on specific bills. Connecticut and South Dakota also televise legislative proceedings and committee hearings on both cable TV and real-time Internet Web casts.
"Arizona's legislative website is one of the best in the country," said Center for Digital Government Executive Director Cathilea Robinett. "Citizens and businesses can easily access the information in a user-friendly manner. Arizona represents digital democracy at its finest."
Top 10 State Legislatures
1. Arizona
2. Louisiana
3. Connecticut
3. Kentucky
3. South Dakota
6. Michigan
6. Minnesota
8. South Carolina
8. Texas
10. Colorado
10. Idaho
10. Maryland
10. Washington
The Center for Digital Government
