The legal profession is always evolving. In recent years, the term “new law” has been used to describe new ways of providing legal services, whether it is working with underserved communities or creating strategies that have not been part of traditional practice in the past. While it may be hard to define, the idea behind the term is clear: using innovative practices that can benefit clients. This includes delivering legal services more efficiently, embracing technology and utilizing non-traditional fee structures.
New Law can also refer to the process of introducing legislation to update existing policies or respond to changing needs in society. It is an important tool through which Congress can fulfill its constitutional role in shaping public policy, reflecting the views of its constituents and adapting to changes in the world. The legislative process consists of multiple stages, including drafting, committee review, floor debate and voting. Developing bipartisan support is critical for the success of new laws.
During the legislative process, members of Congress review and debate proposals for new laws. Then, they vote on bills based on their understanding of the needs and preferences of their constituents. This process reflects democratic principles of representation and accountability.
Once a bill has passed through both houses of Congress, it goes to the President for approval. The President can approve a bill or choose not to sign it. The President can also use his or her veto power to reject a bill passed by Congress. A vetoed bill can still become a law if two-thirds of both chambers of Congress vote to override the veto.
Governor Kathy Hochul signed legislation expanding protections for domestic violence victims in criminal and family court. This new law will allow victims of domestic violence to seek an order of protection against their abusers, regardless of whether the relationship was intimate or not. The new law also expands the rights of victim’s children to obtain protective orders.
New York City lawmaker David Greenberg authored legislation to require City agencies to provide notice to employees and job applicants about federal and State student loan forgiveness programs. Greenberg’s legislation is modeled on the successful California program.
Congressional processes for passing new laws differ between the House of Representatives and the Senate. This video provides an overview of the process in both houses and explains how a bill becomes a law.
Learn how to research New York State law using Findlaw, a digital collection from the New York State Library that offers access to NY state statutes (by keyword) and a legislative history database. The site also has PDF copies of legislative bill jackets, and can be used as a substitute for Westlaw for those without access to that service. Findlaw is free and requires no login.