Subject Guides
*Public Administration & Policy
Databases, websites, organizations and resources of use to Public Administration researchers.
Guide Contents
Introduction to regulations
The words rules and regulations are often used interchangeably. These are created by agencies and are designed to implement, define or interpret laws or policies. They carry the same weight as laws or statues.
New York Regulations
The Official compilation of codes, rules, and regulations of New York State (NYCRR) - contains the final version of rules and regulations passed by NYS agencies. This can be accessed:
- The official version is also available in print: Bartle Reference KFN 5025 .A3
New York State Register
Publishes notices of proposed rules, changes to existing rules, adoption or withdrawal of formerly proposed rule changes; public hearings; securities offerings; and advertisements for bidders/contractors.
Once a rule or regulation is finalized, it is published in the NYCRR.
- New York State Registeronline, 2003-present.
New York Statutes
Chapter or Session Laws: A New York State bill passed into law is referred to as a "chapter law," or a "session law". Also includes memoranda commenting on individual statutes, the governor's messages, and the like. There are two types of published law:
- Consolidated Laws: Most, not all, NYS laws codified by subject.
- Unconsolidated Laws: Legally binding but not codified, usually because they don't affect the whole state.
- HeinOnline Session LawsSession Laws for all states, State Constitutions Illustrated, State Attorney General Reports & Opinions, and more. Also includes U.S. and Canadian federal statutes.
Federal Regulations
The federal government publishes all proposed regulations and final regulations online.
- Code of Federal RegulationsThis is the annual edition of the general and permanent rules published in the Federal Register by departments and agencies of the Federal Government.
- Regulations.govLearn about the federal rulemaking process. Submit comments on proposed regulations and related documents. Find original regulatory documents and comments submitted by others.
- Federal RegisterThe daily publication of the rules, proposed rules, and notices of the Federal agencies and organizations along with executive orders.
Federal Law
- Congress.govSearch by Public Law number for full-text of laws (1993-present).. Also includes bills and Resolutions, Congressional Record, Committee Reports, House Committee Live Streams, Presidential Nominations, and Treaties. (Replaces Thomas.gov)
- ProQuest CongressionalAccess to legislative publications including Congressional Hearings (parts A-D), U.S. Bills and Resolutions (2014-2018), laws, reports, documents, prints, the Federal Register, the Code of Federal Regulations, and member and committee information.
- United States Statutes at LargeThe United States Statutes at Large containing the permanent laws – public and private – that were enacted during each session of Congress.
