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Understanding the Legislative Process: How a Bill Becomes Law and Judicial Input

This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how a bill becomes law in the U.S. It outlines the process from initial idea generation by citizens or agencies to sponsorship by legislators, committee discussions, floor actions, and final passage. Additionally, it covers the role of the governor in signing or vetoing legislation and the involvement of the judicial branch in legislative matters. Citizens are encouraged to engage in the process through letters, proposals, and participation in committees to influence law-making.

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Understanding the Legislative Process: How a Bill Becomes Law and Judicial Input

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  1. HOW A BILL BECOMES LAW And How Court Administration Can Have Input

  2. IDEA Can be suggested by anyone: • Citizen • Consumer group • Professional association • Executive Branch agency • Governor • Judicial Branch

  3. AUTHOR • Each bill needs a Senator and a Representative to sponsor and introduce bill (chief author) • Responsible for moving it through the process

  4. INTRODUCTION • Introduced in House and Senate • “First Reading” • Gets bill number • Referred to appropriate committee for discussion based on subject matter

  5. COMMITTEE PROCESS • Bill is discussed in one or more committee • Testimony taken • Bill may be amended • Committee recommends action • Report sent to Floor • Possible referral to other committees

  6. FLOOR ACTION • After full House or Senate receive final committee report, the bill has “second reading”. • Placed on general calendar • House – General Register • Senate – General Orders • Placed on calendar for the Day • Floor debate and amendment

  7. FINAL PASSAGE “Third Reading” • If versions are identical bill goes to Governor for signature • If versions are close, one side accepts other’s language and bill goes to Governor • If versions are different bill goes to Conference Committee

  8. CONFERENCE COMMITTEE • Differences are worked out and a compromise is reached • Conference Committee report presented to full House and Senate • Only “yes or no” vote possible • Can be sent back to Conference Committee • Goes to Governor for signature

  9. GOVERNOR • Sign it • Veto it within 3 days • 2/3 vote of House and Senate will override veto • Allow it to become law by not signing it • “Line item veto” parts of a money bill • “Pocket veto” a bill passed during last three days by not signing it within 14 days after adjournment

  10. JUDICIAL BRANCH ACTIVITIES • Pursue Legislation and Budget Request • Proposals are submitted to Judicial Council for endorsement • Testimony and relevant information provided • Testimony provided for other initiatives • Questions answered for legislators and staff

  11. WHAT CAN I DO? • Write a letter to your legislators • Participate in ride along program • Suggest legislative changes • Participate on MACM Legislative Committee • Keep responding to requests for information • Review proposed legislation and report on impacts

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