The Moreland Act was an act passed by the
New York Legislature and signed into law in 1907. It was introduced by
Sherman Moreland, the
Republican leader of the legislature. He proposed the act at the urging of
New York GovernorCharles Evans Hughes. It was known as Section 7 of the Executive Law from 1907 to 1909 and Section 8 from 1909 to 1951. It is now known as Section 6 of the Executive Law.[1]
The act allows the governor, in person or through one or more persons appointed by the governor, to examine management and affairs of any department, board, bureau or commission in the state.[2] Investigators could interview witnesses, administer oaths, hold hearings, and seize any material deemed relevant to the investigator's case.[1] The investigators then had to use that intelligence to recommend legislative actions.[3]
List of commissions appointed under the Moreland Act
Note: This list may not be complete.
1915 - Commission to Examine and Investigate the Management and Affairs of the Office of the Fiscal Supervisor of State Charities, the State Board of Charities, the Sites, Buildings and Grounds Commission, the Building Improvement Commission, and the Salary Classification Commission, appointed by Governor
Charles S. Whitman[1]
1928 - Commission for Investigation of Workmen's Compensation Law Administration, appointed by Governor
Al Smith.[1]
1953 - Commission to Study, Examine and Investigate State Agencies in Relation to Pari-Mutuel Harness Racing, appointed by Governor
Thomas Dewey.[1]