Is there a law in New York State that requires the annual inspection
of a lawn sprinkler backflow preventive device?  Can I get a copy?

Hi, 

The information relevant to your question can be found at the New York
State Department of Health and it says this:

"Where a single or dual family residential customer served by the
public water supply system has or proposes to install a lawn sprinkler
or irrigation system, the minimum required backflow protection to
prevent backsiphonage shall be vacuum breaker in accordance with Part
902.3 (i) of the UFP&BC. Vacuum breakers shall be located, specified,
installed, maintained and accessible for inspection in accordance with
Sections 902.2(d) (2) and 902.3(a), (b) (1), (c) & (d) of the UFP&BC,
respectively; in a manner acceptable to the supplier of water and/or
the local plumbing or building code enforcement official."

That was taken from this link:
http://www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/water/cross/pws12.htm

And more information about NY State cross-connection control can be
found here:
http://www.health.state.ny.us/nysdoh/water/cross/cross.htm

The latter link provides contact details for getting hard copies of
this information.

Regards, 
sycophant-ga