New York (State). Commission to Examine Laws Relating to Child Welfare.

The commission was created by Chapter 699 of the Laws of 1920 to examine and collate laws relating to child welfare. In examining the laws it was the commission's responsiblity to investigate their operation and effect on children, ascertain overlapping and duplication of laws and/or activities of any public office, department or commission, and to propose remedial legislation. An amendment to the 1920 law (Chapter 342 of the Laws of 1921) required the commission to report to the legislature annually and at such other times as required by the governor or president of the senate.

The commission originated in a recommendation by a conference on child welfare held in October of 1919 in connection with the annual convocation of the regents. The conference brought together educators, industrial workers, and health experts to discuss the needs of the state's children. Many speakers stressed the need for better laws to meet modern conditions, and a conference committee prepared a bill, which was eventually passed by the legislature, creating the commission.

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