State Legislative Process

New laws aren't born overnight. First, the necessity or idea for a law must be established. Once an idea has been formulated, it is then drafted into bill form. Bill drafts come from any number of sources, but only a legislator can sponsor a bill and file it for consideration by the full assembly.

Bills can be introduced in one house or in both simultaneously -- except for appropriations bills, which must originate in the House. But even identical bills must travel through each chamber.

Once introduced, a bill is read by title and number and referred to the committee having jurisdiction over the subject. The committee discusses the bill and makes a recommendation. Some pieces of legislation "die" in committee and never reach the floor. But if the bill is reported from the committee, it is put on the calendar for reading -- three times, once per day. After it is read for the third time, the bill is voted on. A bill that receives a majority of the votes cast (with at least forty percent of the membership present) is passed on to the other chamber, where it undergoes the same procedure.

There are four types of legislation that require more than a simple majority for passage. Appropriations bills, the call for a constitutional convention and emergency bills (those which take effect immediately) require a favorable vote of the majority of all elected members. This is called a constitutional majority. Amendments to the state constitution must receive a favorable nod from sixty percent of the membership.

Once approved by both chambers, the bill has one more hurdle to overcome. It must be acted on by the governor. The governor has three options: to sign the bill into law, veto the bill, or allow it to become law without his signature.

A vetoed bill can be sent back to the Legislature (first to the chamber where it originated) and the veto can be overridden by a constitutional majority.

Most legislation becomes law 90 days after the General Assembly adjourns.

 
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