N.Y. Legislative Law § 87: Powers and duties

§ 87. Powers and duties. 1. The commission shall exercise continuous

oversight of the process of rule making and examine rules, as defined in

subdivision two of section one hundred two of the state administrative

procedure act, adopted or proposed by each agency with respect to (i)

statutory authority, (ii) compliance with legislative intent, (iii)

impact on the economy and on the government operations of the state and

its local governments, and (iv) impact on affected parties; and, in

furtherance of such duties, may examine other issues it deems

appropriate. For purpose of this article, the term agency shall mean any

department, board, bureau, commission, division, office, council,

committee or officer of the state or a public benefit corporation or

public authority at least one of whose members is appointed by the

governor.

2. The commission may employ such staff and retain such consultants

and expert services as may be necessary and fix their compensation and

expenses within the amounts appropriated therefor. Employment by the

commission shall be deemed to be employment by the legislature for all

purposes.

3. The commission shall have the power, subject to the provisions of

section seventy-three of the civil rights law, to hold hearings,

subpoena witnesses, administer oaths, take testimony and compel the

production of books, papers, documents and other evidence in furtherance

of its duties; provided, however, that no subpoena shall issue except

upon the affirmative vote of a majority of the whole membership of the

commission. The commission may request and shall receive from all

agencies such assistance and data as will enable it properly to

consummate any such examination, and review.

4. The commission shall be authorized to request and receive, from a

state agency, all rulemaking notices, statements and analyses as

provided for pursuant to the state administrative procedure act, data,

rules, regulations and other information by electronic means as provided

for by article three of the state technology law.