N.Y. Const. art. IX, § 3: Existing laws to remain applicable; construction; definitions

Existing laws to remain applicable; construction; definitions.

§ 3. (a) Except as expressly provided, nothing in this article shall

restrict or impair any power of the legislature in relation to:

(1) The maintenance, support or administration of the public school

system, as required or provided by article XI of this constitution, or

any retirement system pertaining to such public school system,

(2) The courts as required or provided by article VI of this

constitution, and

(3) Matters other than the property, affairs or government of a local

government.

(b) The provisions of this article shall not affect any existing valid

provisions of acts of the legislature or of local legislation and such

provisions shall continue in force until repealed, amended, modified or

superseded in accordance with the provisions of this constitution.

(c) Rights, powers, privileges and immunities granted to local

governments by this article shall be liberally construed.

(d) Whenever used in this article the following terms shall mean or

include:

(1) "General law. " A law which in terms and in effect applies alike

to all counties, all counties other than those wholly included within a

city, all cities, all towns or all villages.

(2) "Local government. " A county, city, town or village.

(3) "People. " Persons entitled to vote as provided in section one of

article two of this constitution.

(4) "Special law. " A law which in terms and in effect applies to one

or more, but not all, counties, counties other than those wholly

included within a city, cities, towns or villages.