2006 New York Code - Existing laws to remain applicable; construction; definitions.

 
    Existing laws to remain applicable; construction; definitions.
    §  3.  (a) Except as expressly provided, nothing in this article shall
  restrict or impair any power of the legislature in relation to:
    (1) The maintenance, support or administration of  the  public  school
  system,  as  required or provided by article XI of this constitution, or
  any retirement system pertaining to such public school system,
    (2) The  courts  as  required  or  provided  by  article  VI  of  this
  constitution, and
    (3)  Matters other than the property, affairs or government of a local
  government.
    (b) The provisions of this article shall not affect any existing valid
  provisions of acts of the legislature or of local legislation  and  such
  provisions  shall continue in force until repealed, amended, modified or
  superseded in accordance with the provisions of this constitution.
    (c)  Rights,  powers,  privileges  and  immunities  granted  to  local
  governments by this article shall be liberally construed.
    (d)  Whenever  used  in this article the following terms shall mean or
  include:
    (1) "General law. " A law which in terms and in effect  applies  alike
  to  all counties, all counties other than those wholly included within a
  city, all cities, all towns or all villages.
    (2) "Local government. " A county, city, town or village.
    (3) "People. " Persons entitled to vote as provided in section one  of
  article two of this constitution.
    (4)  "Special law. " A law which in terms and in effect applies to one
  or more, but  not  all,  counties,  counties  other  than  those  wholly
  included within a city, cities, towns or villages.