Identifying State and Federal Bills and Statutes Module 4, Class 2, Exercise A Teaching Module Developed by the Curriculum Task Force of the Sloan Work and Family Research Network

Overview of Steps Step 1: Identify topic Step 2: Create search terms Step 3: Enter search terms Step 4: Print out text of bills and statutes Step 5: Summarize the output Step 6: Prepare a summary sheet

Step 1: Identify a relevant work-family topic Examples from the Sloan Work & Family Research Network are: Telework Afterschool Care Family Leave Phased Retirement Shift Work Generation X/Y Flexible Work Schedules

Step 2: Make a list of possible search terms, including synonyms Example: Flexible Work Schedules = Flexible schedules Flextime Flexitime Flexible work hours Flexible work arrangement Alternative work schedule, etc.

Step 3: Enter the search terms Using State Capitol or another software program, enter the search terms into the bill and statute searches.

Step 4: Print out the text of bills and statutes Print the text of any legislation relevant to your research area If you are conservative with your paper, highlight key sections and print those Having a hard copy will come in handy if you need the full text as a reference in the future

Step 5: Summarize the output How many states have considered bills related to your topic? How many statutes related to your topic have been passed? Are there any themes or trends in the bills and statutes?

Step 6: Prepare a summary sheet for elected officials in your state What are the important points you would want to make? What policy action would you recommend? Who is your audience? (Issues of the Policy Leadership Series prepared by the Sloan Work & Family Research Network can be used as a model. http://wfnetwork.bc.edu/policy.php)