Finding Similar Laws
Second, it is helpful to see how other areas have written laws on your topic, giving you ideas and a framework. Sometimes this is done by finding organizations with a similar concern and contacting them for assistance. For example, you may want to contact Sierra Club for an environmental issue, the ASPCA for an animal issue, etc. To find these resources use these types of search terms: (Keyword = your topic)
"Keyword Coalition"
"Keyword Advocacy Group"
"Keyword Ordinances"
Some of these groups offer grants and may already be working on the same issue. Working with a larger organization can sometimes give you more resources and clout.
When you find an organization that is supporting a cause, also checkout if they are doing what they say they are by going to at Charity Navigator: http://www.charitynavigator.org/
"Keyword Coalition"
"Keyword Advocacy Group"
"Keyword Ordinances"
Some of these groups offer grants and may already be working on the same issue. Working with a larger organization can sometimes give you more resources and clout.
When you find an organization that is supporting a cause, also checkout if they are doing what they say they are by going to at Charity Navigator: http://www.charitynavigator.org/
Searching the United States Code: http://public.findlaw.com
This hightlights various areas of the law.
Searching the Code of Federal Regulations: http://www.ecfr.gov/cgi-bin/ECFR?page=browse
Federal Codes and Regulations overrule any state/county/local laws. You may want to look at the Federal Codes so what you are proposing does not conflict with the higher level of law. Also, you may find there is already a Federal Code that can be applied to your situation.
Data-Scraping Tool from Kimono: http://www.wired.com/2014/03/kimono
This web app lets you slup data from any website and instantly turn it into an API. It curates the data you need on a topic.
Compile Government Data: http://www.socrata.com/
Need to analyze a government database into something useful? Create a map of data? This is a tool used by Code for America.
Public Data Sets: Online course on how to use them http://www.lynda.com/Tableau-tutorials/Up-Running-Public-Data-Sets/368761-2.html
Freedom of Information Act
Sometimes government offices are not forthcoming with information or withhold it. You can file a Freedom of Information Act Request and they will need to either produce the information for you or answer why it is being withheld. You can check the what applies to your State at: http://www.nfoic.org/state-freedom-of-information-laws
Government Transparancy from Sunlight Foundation: http://www.ideo.com/work/sitegeist
This mobile app gives context to public data on a personal level. This is part of a National Data App series.