As the name implies, an interstate compact is an agreement between or among states. Compacts have the following characteristics:

• they usually focus on one issue that affects multiple states and generally include policies, regulations and standards agreed to by its members;
• states can act jointly on issues with or without the existence of federal authorization or consent;
• states which are members to a compact generally adopt it by legislation so that identical law exists in each participating state;
• compact law differs from uniform state law whereby the latter permits different interpretations by courts;
• compact law supersedes state law when a conflict exists within or between states;

Member states generally form an association which is designed to provide uniform administrative, technical, training and legal support. Dues support the administrative services of staff. Compact officers are elected as the governing body and bylaws are normally adopted.