How a secret network of legislators and corporations drafts American law
In short: Behind the scenes of state legislatures, a powerful nonprofit is turning campaign rhetoric into law. By providing pre-written "model bills" to politicians, the American Legislative Exchange Council allows private corporations to collaborate directly with lawmakers, shaping everything from taxation to environmental regulations through a quiet, highly effective legislative pipeline.
Mark Rhoads established the group in Chicago during 1973, naming it the Conservative Caucus of State Legislators to oppose price controls and the Environmental Protection Agency. It was later renamed the American Legislative Exchange Council because conservative leaders felt the term "conservative" was unpopular with the public at the time. By 1975, with support from the American Conservative Union, it registered as a federal nonprofit.
The organization operates through nine task forces that generate model legislation. While these bills are intended for legislators to customize and introduce, private sector members effectively hold veto power over the drafts. This collaborative process allows corporate interests to exert significant influence; for example, as of 2013, ALEC's membership included approximately 300 corporate and private-sector entities, including giants like ExxonMobil, Pfizer, and AT&T.
The impact of this model is substantial. By 2011, ALEC's legislative members reached 2,000, representing more than 25 percent of all state legislators nationwide. Each year, about 1,000 bills based on ALEC language are introduced in state legislatures, with approximately 20% of those becoming law. This influence has sparked intense scrutiny, leading to high-profile corporate withdrawals in 2012 and 2014 following controversies regarding gun laws and climate change skepticism.
Today, ALEC remains a central player in American politics, serving as an advisory board member for Project 2025—a collection of proposals designed to reshape the federal government and consolidate executive power.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: American Legislative Exchange Council
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