New York State Constitutional Convention, 1938 Committee Correspondence, Hearings, Minutes, and Proposals Files

Alphabetical by name of committee.

The series contains records produced or received by 13 out of the 34 committees active during the Convention. The records include correspondence, proposed amendments, minutes of meetings, hearing testimony, and printed material. The series documents meetings and hearings held by various committees as they discussed approval of the 694 amendments introduced in the Convention and sent to committee. In addition, the records document pressure placed on delegates by individuals, private agencies and organizations, local and state government officials, businesses, educators, attorneys, and many other professionals attempting to influence adoption of specific amendments.

Most significant among the records are minutes of meetings and correspondence and proposals sent by constituents to committees. Approximately half of the series pertains to the Judiciary Committee's consideration of issues such as the selection and removal of judges, the power to review administrative decisions, and the creation of new judical districts. The records reflect the Convention's concern with many conservation-related issues (e.g., control of water power, billboard regulation, preservation of forests and other natural resources) and contain a great deal of correspondence and proposals on these matters. Throughout the records of several committees is information on the delegates' attempt to solve the growing problems in the areas of housing, public health, education, and social welfare.

There are no restrictions regarding access to or use of this material.