31 August 2007. Founded by Scott Yates, LgDB, pronounced Ledge-D-B, is a database of information about legislation in the 50 states. It provides simple and advanced search features. To find the advanced search options, you first have to conduct a simple search. (Use the search box on the home page.) Once the results appear, you'll find a link for advanced search.
Advanced search produces a pop-up form, which means you'll have to allow javascript to run at the site. With advanced search, you can limit queries to a particular sponsor, state or bills in the current session.
Results provide information about the bill (title, sponsors, actions, amendments, versions, links to the official source, as well as the text of the legislation. Additional features lets you write and save your own summary or comment on the bill.
Once you display a bill, you may select an additional search option that lets you find similar legislation in the same state. Every previously mentioned feature is available for free, if you register with the site. There are additional features for paid subscribers.
Cautions: Site documentation is vague about sources and coverage. It's unclear whether the database is complete; that is, does it currently provide data from all 50 states? Or is this the goal? Finally, to take advantage of the advanced search features, you have to conduct a simple search first and you have to allow javascript. |
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