Bill Introduction:
- A legislator (or group of legislators) drafts a bill to address a specific issue.
- The bill is formally introduced in the legislature, given a number, and read aloud.
- It’s then referred to the appropriate committee(s).
Committee Review:
- The committee holds hearings, inviting experts and stakeholders to testify.
- Members study the bill’s potential impacts and costs.
- Amendments may be proposed and voted on within the committee.
- The committee may also conduct investigations or request additional information.
Committee Vote:
- Committee members vote on whether to advance the bill.
- If approved, a report is prepared explaining the bill and any amendments.
- If rejected, the bill typically dies, though there may be procedures to bypass committee.
Floor Debate:
- The bill is scheduled for debate in the full chamber.
- Legislators can propose further amendments.
- Debate rules vary but often include time limits and procedures for ending discussion.
Chamber Vote:
- The chamber votes on any proposed amendments.
- A final vote is taken on the entire bill.
- Most bills require a simple majority to pass, but some may need a supermajority.
Second Chamber (in bicameral systems):
- If passed, the bill goes to the other chamber (e.g., from House to Senate).
- The entire process repeats, potentially resulting in a different version of the bill.
Conference Committee:
- If the two chambers pass different versions, a conference committee is formed.
- Members from both chambers work to reconcile differences.
- The compromise version must then be approved by both chambers.
Executive Action:
- The final bill goes to the executive (e.g., President) for consideration.
- The executive may sign it into law, veto it, or in some systems, allow it to become law without signature.
- Some executives have line-item veto power for certain types of bills.
Potential Veto Override:
- If vetoed, the bill returns to the legislature.
- Legislators may attempt to override the veto, typically requiring a 2/3 majority in both chambers.
Enactment:
- If signed or veto overridden, the bill becomes law.
- It’s assigned a public law number and published.
- The law takes effect immediately or on a specified date.
Additional Considerations:
- Budget bills often follow a special process.
- Some legislatures have rules about how quickly a bill can move through the process.
- Public input may be solicited at various stages.
- Lobbying efforts can influence the process at multiple points.
- Judicial review may later challenge the constitutionality of the law.