Under the body of the New York Constitution of 1894, 50 Senators and 150 assemblymen were elected in single-seat districts; senators for a two-year term, assemblymen for a one-year term.

The Legislature met for the regular session at the State Capitol in Albany on January 2, 1901, and adjourned on April 23.

S. Frederick Nixon (R) was re-elected Speaker, with 104 votes against 42 for Daniel D. Frisbie (D).

Timothy E. Ellsworth (R) was re-elected President pro tempore of the State Senate.

Patrick F. Trainor, Samuel S. Slater, James B. Ewan, Michael Russell and Henry W. Hill changed from the Assembly to the Senate.