LOCAL LAWS: 

Since colonial times, citizens of New York State have looked to local governments for basic services.  Even now, citizens continue to rely on cities, counties, towns and villages for a great many of their needs.

The enactment of Article IX of the State Constitution, the Municipal Home Rule Law and the Statute of Local Governments have provided local governments the means to meet the challenges of our times.  Through the adoption of local laws, cities, counties, towns and villages may implement the policies as mandated by the demands of the people and the times.

The power to enact local laws is granted by the State Constitution.  The scope of this power and the procedures for implementing it are set out in the Municipal Home Rule Law.  A local law has the same status as an act of the State Legislature.  Accordingly, it is important that the legal procedures for the adoption of local laws be closely observed.