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On November 28, 1797, the first State prison opened in New York City. While the official name of the new prison was the State Prison of the City of New York, it was commonly known as Newgate Prison. The prison was authorized by the Legislature in 1796 (Chapter 30). This legislation also called for another prison to be built at Albany, but this second prison was never built. A board of inspectors and the justices of the State Supreme Court had general authority over Newgate Prison.

The New York State Urban Development Corporation (UDC) was a public benefit corporation created by the State Legislature in 1968 in response to a shortage of housing (particularly low-income housing) throughout the state. In 1995, UDC absorbed the functions of the Job Development Authority and was renamed the Empire State Development Corporation. After this merger, the Empire State Development Corporation and Department of Economic Development became known collectively as Empire State Development.

The State Athletic Commission was established by Chapter 714 of the Laws of 1921 as a continuation of the State Boxing Commission, which was formed the previous year. The State Boxing Commission was itself the successor of an earlier State Athletic Commission established by Chapter 779 of the Laws of 1911, amended by Chapter 680 of the Laws of 1915.

In 1995 the National Park Service released a study recommending a stronger nationwide effort to preserve the historical monuments related to the Underground Railroad. In 1997 the New York State Legislature passed the Freedom Trail Act, which created the Freedom Trail Commission within the Education Department. The Commission was ordered to issue reports to the Governor, the Legislature, and the Board of Regents every year for five years beginning in 1999.

The Office of Business Permits was established in 1978 (Chapter 770) to maintain and provide information on business related permits and licenses. The agency was reconstituted in 1984 (Chapter 698) as the Office of Business Permits and Regulatory Assistance and expanded its authority to include the review of State agency rule making procedures.

Originally founded on the former Oneida County Asylumhouse, the Rome Temporary State Hospital was organized in 1894. The name changed in October 1894 (Chapter 383) to the Rome State Custodial Asylum for Unteachable Idiots where patients from state hospitals were transferred and taxes went to care for the insane. In 1896 (Chapter 546), the name was changed to the Rome State Custodial Asylum and established as a separate entity.

The Division of Local Government and Community Services created in 1975, is responsible for carrying out the Department of State's functions to assist community development in New York's municipalities and to advise municipalities on law. The Division accomplishes this by providing training and advisory services to local governments and community organizations in a number of areas: economic and community development; labor relations; data processing; municipal organization; and public works.

The Division of Legal Affairs provides legal advice and opinions to Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) administrators and staff. Additionally, it is responsible for reviewing environmental laws and regulations, representing the department in state and federal administrative hearings, and working with the Department of Law in environmental litigation.

The main building of Kings County Lunatic Asylum, located in Flatbush, was funded by Chapter 278 of the Laws of 1852, which authorized Kings County to negotiate a loan for the extension of hospital accommodations for care of the insane in connection with its almshouse. A further authorization, made by Chapter 255 of the Laws of 1853, provided for a loan to complete the institution under construction. This amount proved insufficient and an additional loan was authorized by Chapter 927 of the Laws of 1855.

New York State's official involvement in energy issues dates from 1972, when the legislature determined the State's continuing economic growth and development, combined with environmental, social, and other economic issues, required a consolidated energy-planning effort. Chapter 386 of the Laws of 1972 established the Joint Legislative Commission on Energy Policy for the State of New York. The commission, consisting of ten members appointed by the majority and minority leaders of the senate and assembly, was mandated to develop and report on a comprehensive State energy policy.