The law is the body of rules, regulations and decisions created by the government for the benefit of its people. It is a broad concept that includes constitutional, statutory and regulatory law as well as local laws and ordinances. The legislative branch of the federal government, the United States Congress, is responsible for creating law and enacting, amending or repealing statutes that govern its operations.
The Senate and Assembly are the bodies responsible for creating laws within New York State, and they work together to make these laws happen. To do this, they draft and discuss bills.
A bill is a proposal for a law that must be adopted into law before it can become a reality. The Senate and Assembly often take ideas for new laws from various interest groups, individuals and representatives of state agencies.
After an idea for a law is settled on, it is put into bill form by the Legislative Bill Drafting Commission. The Commission usually has a staff of legal experts to draft the bills for the Legislature.
Once a bill has been approved, it is sent to the Governor for his signature or veto. The Governor has 10 days (not counting Sundays) to sign or veto a bill. If he signs it, it becomes law. If he vetoes it, it is returned to the house that first passed it, with a statement of why the Governor did not approve it.
It is important to note that no law may be enacted in New York State without being adopted by the Legislature in bill form. That is why bills must be introduced in both houses of the Legislature.
When a bill is introduced, it must be examined by the Introduction and Revision Office to determine its proper number. It is then sent to the appropriate standing committee of the Senate or Assembly, and deemed to have had its first and second readings.
After the Senate and Assembly have considered a bill, it is sent to the Governor for his approval or veto. The Governor has 10 Days to Sign or Veto a Bill, but can override a veto by two-thirds of the members of both houses of the Legislature.
During the legislative session, legislators and other interest groups can suggest, debate and vote on bills to create laws that help the public. These bills can be either legislative or resolutions.
A resolution is a document that describes what a law will do and is intended to be used as a guide for the legislators and other people who will have to implement the law. A resolution can also be a call to action, and is intended to encourage people to take certain actions.
In New York, the Governor has a 10-day period in which to sign or veto bills that have been approved by both houses of the Legislature. If the Governor does not sign or veto a bill within the 10 days, it is automatically law and will not be challenged in court.