The 117th New York State Legislature was the meeting of the New York State Senate and the New York State Assembly that convened in the year 1894. It succeeded the 116th Legislature and was followed by the 118th Legislature.
General characteristics
- Structure: As with all New York legislatures, it was bicameral, consisting of a Senate (51 seats) and an Assembly (150 seats).
- Election cycle: Senators serving in the 117th were elected in the November 1893 state election; Assembly members were likewise elected in the 1893 election.
- Session dates: The regular session opened in early January 1894 (historical records indicate a start date of January 2) and adjourned later that year. The legislature may have met in a special session in early 1895, but specific dates require verification from the official legislative journals.
Political context
- The 117th Legislature operated during the final months of Governor Roswell P. Flower’s administration (Democrat, 1892‑1894) and the initial months of Governor Levi P. Morton’s administration (Republican, beginning January 1 1895).
- Detailed party composition of each house for this session is recorded in the New York State Manual and contemporary legislative reports.
Legislative activity
- The 117th session considered and enacted numerous bills covering a range of state matters, including appropriations, infrastructure, and public welfare. Specific landmark statutes enacted during this term are enumerated in the “Laws of the State of New York” for the 1894 session.
Reference sources
- The New York Red Book (annual manual of state government) – provides member lists, leadership positions, and party majorities.
- Journal of the Senate and Journal of the Assembly for the 117th Legislature – contain daily proceedings, bills introduced, and votes taken.
- Laws of the State of New York (1894) – compiles all statutes enacted by the 117th Legislature.
Note: While the existence and basic parameters of the 117th New York State Legislature are well‑documented, detailed information on individual legislative actions, exact session dates, and party composition should be consulted directly from the official journals and manuals cited above.
