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Legislative History

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What is a Legislative History

Legislative History refers to the progress of a bill through the legislative process,and to the documents that are created during that process. In other words it is the compiling of all the legislative documents that led up to the enactment of a law.

Uses for Legislative Histories
Most often used by federal agencies, attorneys, or the courts to interpret the purpose or intent of a law.  

Components of a legislative history
These documents, arranged by weight, are most widely accepted by Courts of Law as evidence of legislative intent. For explanations of each see Gallagher Law Library - University of Washington.

  • Committee reports
  • Sponsor statement and floor debates
  • Committee hearings
  • Bill text, original and amendments
  • Committee prints

This guide will help you locate the documents needed to compile a legislative history, or find one that has already been compiled. Resources for finding this information include library legal databases, websites, and books. It is recommended that you read through all the information before beginning your legislative history, as some methods may work better than others, depending on the legislation being researched.

How a Bill Becomes a Law

LexisNexis

Libguide Video

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Skill Share: GARDENING

(In-Person)

Date: Thursday, March 30, 2023

Time: 2:00pm - 3:00pm CST (Central Standard Time, US & Canada)

Campus: Bellevue University Freeman/Lozier Library, LIB 460

Online: Register HERE

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Join the Library for a demonstration on how to start your own indoor garden.

Book Tasting Program 

(In-Person)

Date: Tuesday, April 11, 2023

Time: 2:00pm - 3:00pm CST (Central Standard Time, US & Canada)

Campus: Bellevue University Freeman/Lozier Library, Main Area

Online: Register HERE

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Guests are invited to sit and hear about a sampling of books. While listening to the tasting menu, themed snacks will be provided for your enjoyment.

Primo Catalog Demonstration

(Online)

Date: Wednesday, April 12, 2023

Time: 10:00am - 11:00am CST (Central Standard Time, US & Canada)

Online: Register HERE

This is an online meeting. Registration is required.

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Join Reference/Instruction Librarian Lorraine Patrick on a tour of the new library catalog. Searching techniques and strategies will be highlighted to get you on your way so that you can research the library and locate materials in no time! This is a session you will not want to miss.

The event link and instructions detailing how to join the live webinar presentation will be sent to the provided e-mail address 3 hours prior to the start of the event. We'll see you there!

Online Library Instruction

Date: Thursday, April 13, 2023

Time: 10:00am - 11:00am CST (Central Standard Time, US & Canada)

Online: Register HERE

This is an online meeting. Registration is required.

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Want to know more about how to navigate the library website and utilize its resources and tools? This instructor-led online library instruction tutorial will walk you through the main functions of the library, and show you how and where to search. This is a great tool for online students who want a more in depth understanding of the library without having to visit the library.

The event link and instructions detailing how to join the live webinar presentation will be sent to the provided e-mail address 3 hours prior to the start of the event. We'll see you there!

Library on the Go

(In-Person)

Date: Thursday, April 20, 2023

Time: 11:00am - 12:30pm CST (Central Standard Time, US & Canada)

Campus: Bellevue University ESB, Upper Level Lobby

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Stop by our table to browse books, enjoy snacks, hear about Library programming, and be entered into a book raffle! We will be bringing books for Sci-Fi, Quick Reads, Fairy Tales, and New Arrivals.

Virtual Reference Help Drop-In 

(Ongoing)

Date: Mondays & Wednesdays (coming up - March 27 & 29)

Time: 9am - 11am CST (Central Standard Time, US & Canada)

Campus: Remote Session (Zoom meeting)

Online: Access HERE

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Do you have reference questions or need help using library resources? Drop into this Zoom room to chat with one of our librarians! They can walk through the problem with you and even share your screen (if you get stuck).