How are most state laws initially published?

Most state laws are initially published as pamphlets because this method allows for the swift distribution and accessibility of new legislation. Pamphlet publication often occurs shortly after laws are enacted, making it easier for the public, legal professionals, and lawmakers to access the most up-to-date information regarding new statutes. Pamphlets can be disseminated widely and are particularly useful for the timely communication of legislative changes.

While comprehensive volumes may be published later to provide a complete compilation of laws, the pamphlet form serves as a practical interim solution for quickly informing stakeholders about current laws. Although online databases are increasingly popular for legal research, they typically rely on the initial pamphlet distribution of laws for digitization. Federal documents do not publish state laws, and thus do not serve as a source for initial state law publication.