Noteworthy changes in the social legislation enacted in 1929, by Congress and the legislatures of forty-four states, two territories, and two insular possessions of the United States are reviewed. In the matter of public poor relief the most significant and far-reaching legislation for many years was the Public Welfare Law of New York, which repealed the patchwork of one hundred years. It is a modern workable law providing for relief of the poor in their homes as well as in institutions, for suitable care of children in their homes, and for adequate medicals care for those who need in whether destitute or not. In New York in the field of housing, planning, and zoning, the new Multiple Dwelling Law, which supersedes the Tenement House Law in New York City, attempts less successfully at present, but through later amendments with probable ultimate success, to modernize an important subject of public regulation and concern. In public health, education, and recreation, though much legislation was enacted, there is little departure from routine procedure previously established. In public morals there is in the matter of prohibition the famous Jones Law to promote the better enforcement of the National Prohibition Acts by increasing the penalties and making felonies of certain minor violations under certain circumstances. Humane legislation provides many new protections for animals, for abandoned and neglected children, and for the treatment of prisoners. Labor legislation covers a wide range of measures for the protection of women in industry, and for the extension and improvement of workmen's compensation laws for industrial accidents and occupational diseases. Child labor legislation shows progress in scope and extent, and some improvement in standards. Old age pensions and old age relief and security are subjects of increasing discussion and public concern with some tentative legislation of an experimental character.
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Apr 1, 1940
William J Barron + 1
Open Access