The Unknown Legislature

Many are familiar with State legislatures, but there is a pseudo state legislature that many do not know exists. It is the National Conference on Weights and Measures. It is often seen as a standard development organization, and it is, but it is more than that alone.

It is, in a sense, like a State legislature because not only do weights and measures officials develop new standards for measuring devices, standards for fuels, standards for packaging and labeling and other weights and measures areas, those new or amended requirements automatically become law each year.

Each year 36 states automatically adopt into law the National Institute of Standards and Technology Handbook 44. Fewer states adopt NIST Handbook 130, Laws and Regulations and Handbook 133 used for package inspections, but it is done.

While only 3 states automatically adopt the Uniform Fuel Law section of NIST Handbook 130, what is adopted is important to know if you operate in one of those states. Compliance with the various laws regulating weights and measure activities can be daunting enough when you know what the law is, but it can be a nightmare if you don't know the law has been changed.

Industry is very active in the NCWM and they are a partner in the development of the NIST Handbooks, but they don't get to vote on the items before the Conference each year. Attending or having someone attending on your behalf is important to make sure you are informed and your voice is heard. Your voice is important because the development of the items before the NCWM is truly a partnership. The Weights and Measures Officials voting will listen to you and act to ensure new items are fully developed and reasonable, but only if they hear from you.

The NCWM publishes all the items on its agenda on its website prior to all its meetings. Be sure to stay informed so you know what the next law impacting your industry is before it actually becomes law.