New York State Legislative History Research: NYS Law Revision Commission & Judicial Council/Conference Reports

New York State Law Revision Commission Reports:

Since 1934, the New York State Law Revision Commission has had the statutory duty to draft and recommend needed new laws.  If this Commission sponsored the law you are seeking, there will be a statement at the end of the law in McKinney's Consolidated Laws of New York or in the Consolidated Laws of New York indicating this sponsorship.  The Commission reviews problems that have been brought to its attention and selects some of them for further study and, possibly, the topic of hearings.  The Commission's analysis of a problem will lead to its recommendation of new legislation or to an amendment of existing law.  Thus, this information may be determinative of legislative intent.

• From 1935-1970, New York State Law  Revision Commission Reports (KFN 5014 .L33) are available in print in BLS Library.
• From 1970-1995, New York State Law  Revision Commission Reports were reprinted in McKinney's Session Laws of New York (KFN 5025 .M3).  McKinney's Session Laws of New York is available in print in BLS Library.

Click here for information about the New York State Law Revision Commission and the text of selected historical reports.

For more current information, see:

• Erica Bentley, The New York Law Revision Commission: Past and Present (@ Government Law Center, Albany Law School)
  • States: "Most recently, the Commission’s work has been significantly hindered by the lack of any funding since 2016, as a result of a discontinuance of its inclusion in the state budget.[8]  Nevertheless, the careful work, dedication, and specialized knowledge contributed by the Commission has continued, with a much-reduced scope, through the voluntary work of former staff and several Commission members.[9]"

Judicial Council Reports & Judicial Conference Reports:

These two bodies made recommendations about laws relating to the administration of justice.  When there were changes in New York's Judiciary Law, there might have been reports discussing such changes.

• From 1937-1955, BLS Library provides Annual Report of the Judicial Council of the State of New York in print (KFN 5951 .N43). 
• From 1964-1974, BLS Libary provides Report of the Administrative Board of the Judicial Conference of the State of New York for the judicial year July 1 ... to June 30 in print (KFN 5951 .N43).