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Constitution of the State of New York Art. IX § 3. Existing laws to remain applicable;  construction;  definitions

Current as of January 01, 2026 | Updated by Findlaw Staff

(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valid provisions of acts of the legislature or of local legislation and such provisions shall continue in force until repealed, amended, modified or superseded in accordance with the provisions of this constitution.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.

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Cite this article: FindLaw.com - Constitution of the State of New York Art. IX § 3. Existing laws to remain applicable;  construction;  definitions - last updated January 01, 2026 | https://codes.findlaw.com/ny/constitution-of-the-state-of-new-york/ny-const-art-ix-sect-3/

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