Legislative history refers to the documentation and records that track the development of a specific piece of legislation, from its initial proposal to its final approval. This history includes drafts, debates, committee reports, and voting records, providing insight into the intentions and discussions surrounding the law. Understanding legislative history is important for interpreting laws and assessing their impact. Researchers, lawyers, and lawmakers often examine these records to clarify ambiguous language or to understand the context in which a law was created, ensuring that the legislative intent is accurately applied in practice.