ABSTRACT
This chapter divides the policy-making process into a series of stages that move from agenda setting through decision-making, implementation, and enforcement. Bills that are introduced early in the legislative session and are reported out of the standing committees reach the floor each week and are put on the legislative calendar that is published each Monday. On session days, typically Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, the clerk will call the bills on third report in the order listed and votes will be taken without debate on those that are not controversial. In the early months, while the leadership's attention is focused on the budget, committees are getting organized, and bills are being circulated for cosponsorship, almost nothing happens on the floor. The primary purpose of all the state courts remains the resolution of individual cases, but the courts are very much a part of the policy-making process in New York.
