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How laws are passed: the process.

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Reading Time: 2 minutes

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.

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