How a Bill Becomes Law
The legislative process at both the state and federal levels can be
intimidating. But, understanding the basics of how bills become
laws is essential to any effort to affect public policy decisions
through lobbying and grassroots networking. Although there
are variations between state and federal legislative
decision-making and terminology, the process is generally the same.
Additionally, there are variations from state to state on how
legislative decisions are made but the process by which a bill
becomes law can be broadly described for any state. Below is a
broad description of the legislative process in general with
specific links to documents depicting the process at both the state
and federal levels.
How a Bill Becomes Law
Each state legislature has its own specific process but below are a few examples of state processes:
How a Bill Becomes Law
A person, organization, business, or legislator identifies a problem and determines that the problem can be fixed through the passage of a law. Regardless of how the idea for legislation comes about, there are certain steps that must be undertaken in order for that idea to become a bill and eventually a law.
- First, there must be a legislator that will introduce the measure before the legislature so for an individual or group of individuals, the identification of a legislative sponsor is necessary. The legislative sponsor should be someone with an understanding of the issue and a commitment to its purpose.
- Second, the idea or problem must be articulated in an actual piece of paper that the sponsor can introduce. The bill can be drafted by individuals but most legislatures have drafting offices that format the language in a specific manner and ensure that it does not conflict with current laws.
- Third, the bill is introduced by the sponsor into one or both
of the chambers of the legislature. Some states require that a
measure come before both chambers simultaneously while other state
legislatures allow a measure to pass out of one house before being
considered by the other.
- Step four in the legislative process generally entails the bill
going before a certain committee or a number of committees before
it can be voted on by the full chamber. These committees allow for
public involvement in the promotion or opposition to the measure,
compromises and amendments, and debate on whether the bill
adequately addresses the idea or problem identified.
- After passing through committee(s), the measure goes before the
full chamber for a floor vote. At this time, the bill is either
passed or defeated.
- If the measure passes and it has also passed the other legislative chamber, the bill will go to the executive branch - the president or the governor - for signature or veto. If the measure is vetoed, legislative bodies often have an opportunity to override the executive's decision.
Each state legislature has its own specific process but below are a few examples of state processes: