ABS360: Public Policy Analysis: Bills & Laws

Most laws passed by Congress are public laws. Public laws affect society as a whole. Search laws passed by Congress here. "Provides access to accurate, timely, and complete legislative information for Members of Congress, legislative agencies, and the public."

This useful guide from the Library of Congress will help you track down the background and events leading up to the passing of your federal law. Some of the resources described are subscription-only (and we don't subscribe), but I think it's still useful to see the process.

A list of laws for which a compiled legislative history is available online for free, with links to the histories. Laws are sorted alphabetically by popular name and by public law number. Created by the Law Librarians' Society of Washington, DC.

"The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) is the compilation of all permanent laws now in force. It is a collection of Session Laws (enacted by the Legislature, and signed by the Governor, or enacted via the initiative process), arranged by topic, with amendments added and repealed laws removed."

Items in the WAC are from the executive branch or executive agencies of our state government.

"Ordinances are items of legislation that have the force of law; before they are approved by Council they are known as Council Bills. The Seattle City Council has authority to create City policies and adopt budgets in the form of Ordinances. Ordinances must comply with terms of the U.S. and Washington State constitutions, the general laws of the City and State, and the City Charter.

The City Council may also offer its collective opinion on matters in the form of Resolutions. Resolutions are items of legislation that are advisory or policy-oriented in nature."

"This site contains all approved Executive Orders, Public Rules, Executive Policies (executive branch agencies) and Department Policies (executive branch agencies)."