We looked at state compliance databases like a shopper looks at a product. We scored them on four things:

• Accuracy: Is the information current and complete?
• Ease of use: Can you find what you need without a law degree?
• Transparency: Does the site explain what the data means?
• Practical value: Does it answer the questions you actually have as an operator?

These are the same things you'd check when picking a supplier or a tool. You want something that works, not something that looks good.