MLSD | Connecticut Association of Student Councils

Mock Legislative Session Day

Tuesday | December 16, 2025 | The Capitol Building, Hartford

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Overview

Mock Legislative Session Day provides a unique and immersive opportunity for Student Council members to step into the shoes of Connecticut legislators, engaging in the process of how a bill becomes a law. Held at the Connecticut state capital, students will work alongside Connecticut General Assembly legislators and staff to discuss, amend, and debate typically 5 bills on issues today. This event is an educational opportunity for CT students to practice speaking, civic engagement, collaboration, and making their voices heard.

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Learn more about this CASC event with the links below

REGISTRATION IS FULL!

Registration Policies

We’re excited to announce that registration opens on September 1, at 8:00 a.m. Please review the details below, as this year’s process has been updated.

This event is open to CASC member High School Student Councils/Governments only. (If you are unsure of your status, please check here or contact us)
Registration is by group on a first-come, first-served process. Registration closes on December 1 or when capacity is reached.
Delegations are limited to a maximum of 15 students and advisors to allow more schools to participate.
An advisor or Chaperone MUST be registered with, and accompany, all student delegates to the event.
When creating your group’s registration, register one adviser per 14 students. CASC requires 1 adviser, principal, or school personnel per 14 students.
Be prepared to register all students when creating your registration. Simply adding an adviser name does not guarantee your group’s registration or “seats” for each of your students and advisers.
Online registration only – phone or email submissions will not be accepted.
Once registered, schools will receive a confirmation email along with any additional information or requirements.

Registration Fees

The cost for attending MLSD has been set at the following:

$15.00/participant for CASC (Connecticut Association of Student Councils) member schools (students and advisers/chaperones)

Your registration fee includes lunch and conference materials.

Final counts and registration numbers must be guaranteed on or before December 1

Cancellations

Group guarantees may be changed until December 1. After that date, you will be billed for the total amount guaranteed, as others have been turned away in your spot. Guaranteed numbers may not be decreased, however substitutions and additions will be accepted as space provides. If you need to change your group details please contact us via email.

Important Dates

September 1 - Registration opens
November 1 - Deadline for application to serve as Chair or Ranking member due.
November 10 (7-8:30PM) Zoom Training for Chairs and Ranking members
December 1 - Registration closes
December 9 (7-8PM) - zoom training for all delegates
December 16 - Day of the Event

REQUIRED FORMS

Advisor, once you register please be sure to submit these forms by December 1

Student/Parent Code of Conduct & Media Release Form (1 per participant)
Delegate Committee Assignment (Advisors only)
Food Allergy Form (part of the upload form for Advisors only)

UPLOAD HERE

FOR DELEGATES

Preparing for MLSD

Get prepared for MLSD by reviewing these important documents before you arrive.

What to Wear to MLSD

Please dress in business casual attire on the day of the event.

General Guidelines:

Dress pants or skirts with a collared shirt or blouse;
A blazer, tie, or jacket is optional;
Flat or comfortable shoes are recommended, as there will be extensive walking.

Avoid Wearing:

Jeans, t-shirts, sweatshirts, or clothing with logos or words;
Sneakers, shorts, or short skirts;
Clothing that is overly casual, brightly patterned, or poorly fitted.

What to Bring to MLSD

Please bring a pen and small note book. Laptops or other electronic devices are optional. All necessary materials will be provided to you when you arrive at the event.

Debating at MLSD - Pro v Oppo

When debating at MLSD, it’s important to understand the distinction between speaking on the "Pro" side (Chair) and speaking on the "Oppo" side (Ranking Member). A "Pro" speech supports the bill as written, its goals, its approach, and its proposed solution. A speaker on the "Pro" side argues that the bill effectively addresses the issue at hand and should be passed in its current form.

On the other hand, “Oppo” can take different forms. Sometimes it means you disagree with the purpose of the bill or the problem it claims to address. Other times, you may fully agree with the issue at hand but disagree with how the bill attempts to solve it. You might believe the idea has merit, yet find that the proposed solution is flawed, unclear, unrealistic, or vulnerable to unintended consequences. In this way, “Oppo” speeches play a vital role in strengthening debate by pushing for clearer writing, stronger reasoning, and better policy making.

SPECIAL PROGRAM

Speaker, Staff and Leaders

The CASC President serves as Presiding Officer, with the CASC Parliamentarian serves as the Assistant Speaker. The CASC Secretary-Treasurer serves as Clerk of the House. The CASC Legislative Affairs Coordinator, and their committee members serve as Floor Leaders (Majority and Minority) and committee chairs.

Chairs and Ranking Members

Participating CASC advisors are encouraged to nominate students who are interested in experiencing a dynamic, immersive experience that mirrors the real-world complexities of the legislature to serve as chairs or ranking members for floor debate. (Every effort will be made to ensure that as many different schools as possible are represented as chairs or ranking members.)

APPLY HERE