Senate OKs Review of State Laws Affecting Local Governments

 The New York State Senate today gave final legislative approval of legislation that would require a commission to review state statutes affecting local governments and provide recommendations to eliminate duplications.

 The bill, sponsored by Senator Betty Little, passed the Assembly in February.

 “The need for all levels of government to operate efficiently has never been greater,” said Little.  “That means avoiding duplication and minimizing time and effort trying to figure out arcane and overlapping laws.  There has not been a top-to-bottom review of the state’s laws impacting local governments for more than a century.”

 Little's bill, S.264a, directs the New York State Law Revision Commission to review all general laws that relate to local governments to determine their effectiveness, ease of administration, fairness and equity.  The commission would issue a report to the Governor and Legislature of its findings and recommendations no later than December 1, 2011.  

 The Law Revision Commission comprises the chairpersons of the Committees on the Judiciary and Codes of the Senate and Assembly, as members ex officio, and five members appointed by the Governor, each for a term of five years.

 The last complete review of all the state general consolidated laws was done in 1909. The County Law was last revised in 1950, Town Law in 1932 and Village Law in 1972. 

 The bill will be returned to the Assembly before being delivered to Governor David A. Paterson for consideration.

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