Step 1: Someone has a new policy idea The process begins with a new policy idea, often proposed by senators, constituents, organizations, or state officials. Step 2: Idea is drafted into a Bill Once an idea is finalized, it must be drafted as a bill. This involves legal expertise from the Legislative Bill Drafting Commission or attorneys from interest groups and state agencies. Step 3: Bill undergoes committee process - Introduction: A bill is introduced in a committee, usually by legislators. - Committee Action: Standing Committees evaluate the bill, can hold public hearings, and decide to report, amend, or reject it. Step 4: Senate and Assembly Pass Bill After discussion and debate in the Senate, a vote is taken. If passed, it goes to the Assembly for further discussion. If the Assembly approves, it goes to the Governor. If amended, it returns to the Senate for concurrence. Step 5: Bill is signed by Governor The Governor has 10 days to sign or veto the bill. If unsigned during this period, it automatically becomes law. Vetoed bills may be overridden with a two-thirds vote in both houses. If the Legislature is out of session, the Governor has 30 days to decide.

Members of the public can get involved in the legislative process in New York by participating in the following ways: 1. Share Policy Ideas: Citizens can propose new policy ideas to their Senate representatives, who can then consider these ideas for potential legislation. 2. Engage with Committees: Committees often hold public hearings on bills. During these hearings, citizens can provide their opinions and feedback on proposed legislation, which is then relayed to committee members. 3. Contact Senate Representatives: Members of the public can communicate their views on specific bills to their Senate representatives. This feedback can influence how legislators vote and act on proposed laws. 4. Stay Informed: Bill tracking allows citizens to see which bills are being discussed and when hearings are scheduled, enabling them to engage at the right times.

Tracking bills is hard, especially if you rely on state legislature websites, which are often hard to navigate. Thousands of bills get filed in New York every year (and about 180,000 bills nationwide). If you want to be an effective advocate, you need to know where legislation of interest stands, and act quickly.

FastDemocracy's free version allows you to track an unlimited number of bills - no strings attached. We'll send you a daily or weekly email on your priority bills and give you tools to research bills and legislators.

FastDemocracy Professional is for anyone who tracks bills in a professional capacity. It features

• real-time bill, amendment and hearing alerts
• automated reporting
• team collaboration
• bill tagging for clients and stakeholders
• bill similarity detection
• ...and much more

1. Sign up here for a free FastDemocracy account.

2. Head to Tracked Topics to select issue areas you care about.

3. Use the search bar on top if you're looking for something specific.

4. Click "Track Bill" for any legislation you'd like to monitor a bit closer. That's how you add it to your Tracked Bills. You can also click on a bill to learn more, see the bill summary, most recent actions, votes, news and tweets. You can also contact legislators or share your bills on social media.

5. You can track an unlimited number of bills for free and we'll send you a daily or weekly email if your tracked legislation moves.

6. Do you need real-time alerts, outreach tools, bill lists, and professional functions? Then FastDemocracy Professional is the right fit for you.

7. Track bills on your smartphone using our free mobile app.

You can use the Find Your Legislators tool to find them, see their voting records, and contact them.