Understanding the New York State Legislative Process
Understanding how laws are made in New York State is crucial for every engaged New Yorker, particularly those advocating for vulnerable populations, such as older adults. While the legislative process may seem complex at first glance, gaining a basic understanding of how it works and how to participate can empower individuals and communities to shape public policy directly.
Why This Matters
If you care about your community, it helps to know how laws are made. The Center for Elder Law & Justice (CELJ) is dedicated to clarifying this process and helping communities speak out and influence change. You don’t need to be an expert - just knowing the basics can help you make a difference.
Who Makes the Laws?
New York State has two groups of lawmakers, also known as two chambers:
The Assembly – 150 members
The Senate – 61 members
They are elected every two years. These lawmakers meet in Albany to talk about new laws and vote on them.
In the Assembly, the legislative session is led by the Speaker, who is elected by fellow Assemblymembers. As of 2025, the Speaker is Carl Heastie. In the Senate, the Majority Leader plays a similar leadership role. That position is currently held by Andrea Stewart-Cousins. These leaders choose who sits on special groups called committees. Committees look closely at bills before they go to a full vote.
How a Bill Becomes a Law
A bill is a written idea for a new law. Anyone can have an idea - even you!
Here’s how it works:
Someone has an idea.
It could be a lawmaker, a group, or a regular person.A lawmaker agrees to sponsor it.
They help write the bill with legal experts.The bill gets a number.
Assembly bills start with “A” (like A1234)
Senate bills start with “S” (like S1234)
The bill goes to a committee.
Lawmakers talk about it, change it, or stop it.The full Assembly and Senate vote.
If both groups pass the same version, it goes to the Governor.The Governor decides.
Signs it → it becomes law
Vetoes it → it goes back to lawmakers
Does nothing → if 10 days pass and lawmakers are still meeting, it becomes law automatically
If lawmakers can’t agree before the session ends, the bill dies. But if it’s the first year of a two-year session, it can come back next year.
When Does This Happen?
January – Lawmakers meet and the Governor shares a budget plan
February–March – Lawmakers review bills and suggest changes
April 1 – Deadline to pass the state budget
June – Regular session ends
How You Can Help
You don’t need a fancy degree to speak up. Here are ways to get involved:
Call or email your lawmakers
Share your story and why a bill matters to you.Write a support or opposition memo
These help lawmakers understand your point of view.Go to public hearings or town halls
Speak directly to lawmakers and learn more.
Find Your Lawmakers
Want to See It in Action?
Watch the classic Schoolhouse Rock! video “I’m Just a Bill”:
👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tyeJ55o3El0
CELJ’s Role in Advocacy
The Center for Elder Law & Justice (CELJ) helps protect older adults and vulnerable New Yorkers. We:
Watch bills about housing, health care, consumer protection, and elder abuse
Write policy ideas and testimony
Work with other groups to support good laws
We believe laws work best when people understand them and speak up.
Click here for a handout outlining this process.
📩 Contact us at sherrera@elderjusticeny.org
🌐 Visit www.elderjusticeny.org
