If laws exist, the CQ publications will provide you with provisions of the law in clear language. Publications and databases listed below will be helpful. CQ Quarterly A respected weekly magazine which reports on government and politics. Congressional Almanac is the yearly edition of CQ Quarterly published in a subject format Print versions of both titles are located in the Government Publications Department. In addition to laws, House and Senate reports provide authoritative background for Congressional intent.
Congressional hearings are good sources for opinions for and against issues.
Legislative database containing bills, laws, hearings reports and much more Thomas From Congress a free legislative database containing bills, laws, some reports and hearings. Unlike the Congress, state legislatures seldom provide hearings and reports on legislation which can help determine the issues and what the legislature intended. Tennessee has virtually no hearings available except at the Tennessee State Library and Archives and these are on tape. U of Mich Grace York at the University of Michigan Documents Center produces superb guides. This one is excellent for state and local government web sites.