Last August, I released an XML copy of the Michigan Compiled Laws (MCL). As an example of what could be done with the structured data, I also created a single-page HTML version generated from the XML. Since then, there’s been significant activity in the state statutory arena; my favorite example is Virginia Decoded, a pretty version of Virginia’s Code, which is (somehow?) affiliated with the State Decoded.
In preparation for some upcoming projects, I’ve since updated both the XML and HTML versions. You can consume these documents in the following ways:
- In one giant HTML file over the web.
- In one giant HTML file on your desktop via ZIP or BZ2.
- In one giant XML file on your desktop via ZIP or BZ2.
Please feel free to use, improve, or comment!
The State Decoded is a project to put state codes online in a non-awful way. Virginia Decoded is the first such state website to launch as a part of that project.
Thanks for the clarification, Waldo! We should talk about what it would take to get there for Michigan.
Oh, you’ve been on my list for weeks now. :) In my planning document, where I list plans and ideas and contacts for every state, under Michigan it says only “Michael Bommarito.” :)
I’ve got NY, IL, and OH parsers sitting somewhere around here too. Big questions about what the structured output looks like with missing or inconsistent data though :(
Great work, Michael! As you may have seen, I’m working with Grant Vergottini, Charles Belle (UC Hastings) and folks at Stanford to hold a legislative XML hackathon on May 19 (internationallegislation.eventbrite.com). Would love for you to (virtually) participate and to get your ideas leading up to the event!