The original item was published from February 5, 2016 4:22 PM to February 5, 2016 4:24 PM
As the 2016 legislative session ramps up here at the Capitol, the State Library offers you a look back at the laws and decisions that have shaped our state and our lives. The
Legislative Highlights (1969-2015) and the Summary of Legislation (1947-1955 and 1968-2015) from the Legislative Research Department are specifically designed to streamline the important events of each session in clear, concise, everyday English.
Only have five minutes? Check out the Highlights. A short "fact sheet" arranged by topics, it summarizes bills that were passed into laws and the changes/effects that will come with these laws. The Highlights does just what its name suggests. It offers basic information on the bills that stood out during the session.
Have twenty minutes? Check out the Summary. Much more in depth, it includes summaries of the legislation enacted by the Legislature and provides more information on bills. It tends to be a more complete listing of legislation passed, though it does not include all bills passed. Not summarized are bills of a limited, local, technical, clarifying, or repealing nature, and bills that were vetoed (sustained). However, these bills are listed at the end of the booklet. A table of contents is provided at the front of the book, also arranged by topic.
Whether you’re here at the Capitol working during the session, a researcher looking for key events from sessions past, or an interested citizen looking for a snapshot of your government in action, these publications offer an excellent overview of what’s been happening for the last 50 years “under the dome.”