Precise Search

1. Introduction
2. Precise Search - Video
3. How to Perform a Precise Search
4. Best Practices 1-Pager

Introduction

Precise Search is the best method for finding highly relevant legislation that could immediately impact your interests.  It is the most advanced method of searching FiscalNote and requires a basic understanding of how Search Helpers work.  If you are new to using FiscalNote, click here to learn more about Search Helpers.

Precise Search - Video

How to Perform a Precise Search:

No matter the Search method, always start by selecting the data you want to browse first.  Click into the space bar and select from the available options.  In this example, we will search for State Bills:

Next, think of the topic at hand and any associated, highly relevant keywords. 

For this example, we will look for bills that mention vehicle safety as it relates to seat belts.  We will use Search Helpers to combine an original search on vehicle safety with seat belts, producing a Precise Search that pares down the original results from over 9,400 matches to 66. 

As a best practice, always include all versions of a word imaginable (ex: "seat belt" OR seatbelt):

The above search tells FiscalNote to search for all state bills that mention the words 'vehicle' and 'safety' -- but only when they appear within 3 words of one another.  It is also telling FiscalNote to only show the results that additionally mention either version of seat belt: seat belt, or seatbelt. 

When accounting for multiple spelling variations, it is important to always group them in parentheses, especially when using a Precise Search.

Finally, use the available Filters to enhance your Precise Search.  When uncovering impactful policy documents, either add them to an Issue individually, or add them in bulk using the drop-down selection above the results queue:

Once bills have been added to an Issue, you will receive email updates on future activity for monitoring purposes.  You can also create Reports and share your findings with key stakeholders.