New York State Legislative Bill Jackets
Introduction
New York State Legislative Bill and Veto Jackets are compiled by the Governor's office before the Governor signs or vetoes a piece of legislation (a bill). Contents of each bill jacket vary, but usually include a copy of the bill with its various amendments and the legislative sponsor's memorandum. In addition, the bill jacket may contain reports and letters from various government departments affected by the legislation. Letters from standing or joint legislative committees that have studied the legislation, and from bar associations, lobbyists, and private citizens are often included in the bill jacket. A separate collection called Veto Jackets is compiled for bills that the Governor vetoes. Researchers often use the bill jackets as a source of legislative history for New York bills. The Law Library has bill and veto jackets from 1905, 1921- . Current bill and veto jackets are available from the Governor's Counsel Office at 518-474-7812.
How to Find Bill Jackets in the Law Library
Bills introduced into the New York State Assembly and/or Senate are given a sequential number. This number is referred to as the bill number. If the bill passes both the Assembly and Senate and is signed by the Governor, it becomes known as a Chapter Law. Bill jackets are located in the Koren AV Center on the 5th floor of the Law Library. They are filed by year and chapter law number. For this reason, it is necessary to know the chapter number of the bill being researched.
The following sources may be consulted to determine chapter law numbers.
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State of New York Legislative Digest
Reference KFN 5007 N435
Volumes are arranged by year. Select the correct year and look for tables entitled, "Cross Reference Table of Laws". One table is for Senate bills and one is for Assembly bills.
Consolidated Laws Service
N.Y. Core US/N7 003.5 N5
Determine where the provisions of the chapter law have been placed in the Code of New York. Look at the history table provided after the code section. Year and chapter number will be provided. (Example: L.1986, c. 14 = laws of 1986, chapter law 14)
McKinney's Consolidated Laws of New York
N.Y.Core US/N7 003.5 N4
Determine where the provisions of the chapter law have been placed in the Code of New York. Look at the history table provided after the code section. Year and chapter number will be provided. (Example: L.1986, c.14 = laws of 1986, chapter law 14)
Veto jackets for bills that passed the Assembly and Senate but were vetoed by the Governor are shelved by year and veto number. To locate veto number, use the State of New York Legislative Digest, Select the correct year and look for table entitled, "Bills vetoed by the Governor".