Compiled legislative histories are comprised of documents that are produced by a legislative body as a bill is introduced, studied, and debated. These legislative documents are often used to help determine the intent behind a law or to clarify ambiguous statutory language.
Finding a previously compiled legislative history can be a real time-saver, but sometimes you have to compile the history yourself.
Starting Research
The Library has research guides for Federal and Michigan legislative history.
There are “how to conduct legal research” books and guides that may provide help on how to conduct a legislative history search for each state. Search the Library catalog for particular resources.
The Law Library does not carry bills or other legislative materials for other states. Obtain bill text and tracking through Nexis Uni.
Menu (top left of homepage) > All Sources > Jurisdiction (pick state) > Category (Statutes and Legislation) > Add "Bill Tracking Reports" and/or "Full-Text Bills" as Search Filters
MultiState Associates tracks all 50 states’ legislative presence online, including full-text bills, status, and comments.