Over 40 legislative leaders from more than 30 states convened at the inaugural Assembly of State Legislative Leaders in Columbus, Ohio, this week. The assembly unanimously adopted a declaration emphasizing the importance of states’ rights and the need to limit federal intrusion into state legislation. The declaration highlights that the U.S. Constitution was established by the states, which created a framework for governance that allows for both collective and independent action. The assembly underscores the principle of federalism, which delineates the distribution of power between state and federal governments. According to the document, federal rules, legislation, and executive orders must respect the constitutional boundaries and permit states to enact diverse laws. The declaration stresses that adherence to federalism is crucial for maintaining balance between the federal government and state legislatures, ensuring collaboration while minimizing unnecessary federal interference in state sovereignty. The group opposes federal preemption of state laws, except in instances where a direct constitutional conflict arises or when an issue cannot be effectively managed at the state level. This stance reflects growing tensions between state governments and the federal administration. For instance, recent actions by President Donald Trump, including an executive order aimed at overriding state regulations on artificial intelligence, have prompted bipartisan concerns among state lawmakers. They plan to continue advocating for state authority in this area. The National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL), which organized the assembly, has previously expressed bipartisan concerns regarding federal actions perceived to undermine state authority. NCSL had also opposed a Trump administration review of state laws deemed too burdensome for businesses. During the meeting, state lawmakers discussed various issues related to federalism, including Medicaid and education. Ohio's Republican House Speaker Matt Huffman was elected as the presiding officer, while Hawaii's Democratic Senate President Ron Kouchi serves as the recording secretary. Both leaders expressed optimism about future discussions aimed at strengthening state governance within the constitutional framework.