During a legislative session, Baker & Daniels professionals use state-of-the-art technologies and good old-fashioned shoe leather to track specific issues or bills for our clients. We start by reading every piece of legislation that's filed, every committee report that's passed and every floor amendment that's offered. We use various databases and search tools to monitor the legislature's paperwork.
At the same time, we walk the halls and talk to the key legislators, agency personnel and advocates who are involved in issues of interest to our clients, getting the "rest of the story" about these particular proposals. Then, armed with all of this information, we provide clients with updates and reports in multiple formats and varying detail – tailor-made for their specific needs.
However, being reactive isn't enough for many clients. We understand the need to be proactive on government and regulatory issues. We know that it is far better to shape a policy, rule or statute in its early stages of consideration, rather than to defend against or challenge the implementation of that legislation, policy or rule after the fact.
During the "off-season" when the Indiana Legislature is not in session, Baker & Daniels professionals are in continual communication with key legislators and decision makers to keep apprised of their policy interests. To remain on top of issue trends that may impact our clients, we are active in organizations such as the National Conference of State Legislatures, Council of State Governments, Public Affairs Council and other related political groups.
At Baker & Daniels, we also have helped clients with their issue management needs in multiple jurisdictions. We have designed and implemented multistate monitoring programs that have covered a handful of jurisdictions in some cases and all 50 states in other situations.