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Bench Book - 1.2.2 Compacts Are Not Uniform Laws

An interstate Compact is not a “uniform law” as typically construed and applied. Unlike interstate Compacts, uniform laws are not contracts; a state adopting an interstate Compact may not select provisions of an interstate Compact to adopt; and, a state may not adapt the provisions of an interstate Compact to address solely intra-state concerns. Unlike uniform laws, once adopted, a state may not unilaterally amend or repeal an interstate Compact unless the language of the agreement authorizes such an act; and, even then, states may only amend or repeal the Compact in accordance with the terms of the Compact. See, e.g., West Virginia ex rel. Dyer v. Sims, 341 U.S. 22, 28 (1951).

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