Alabama’s Legislative Process The passage of a bill

Members of the Legislature 140 total members of the Legislature 105 members in the House of Representatives 35 Senators

When the Legislature Convenes In regular annual sessions on the first Tuesday in February, except: In the first year of the new term, when the session will begin on the first Tuesday in March In the last year of a four-year term, when it will begin on the second Tuesday in January A regular session is limited to 30 meeting days, with usually two “legislative” days per week, with other days devoted to committee meetings

Their responsibilities are to examine bills and recommend action to the House or Senate No bill may be enacted into law until it has been referred to, acted upon, and returned from a committee Reference to a committee immediately follows the first reading of a bill Standing Committees

Introduction in the House First reading Referral to appropriate committee Bill may die from lack of action or vote If reported from committee, second reading Placement on calendar Third reading, amended and debated Vote on passage

If it reaches the Senate: First reading Referral to appropriate committee Bill may die from lack of action or by vote If reported from committee, second reading Placement on calendar Third reading, amended and debated Vote on passage

If the bill passes: In identical form by both houses, it is sent to the Governor With a Senate amendment and the House concurs, it is sent to the Governor With a Senate amendment and the House does not concur, bill may be sent to conference committee composed of members of both bodies

If both bodies accept compromise: Bill is enrolled Signed by the presiding officers of both bodies Is sent to the Governor

Bill becomes law: If Governor signs If Governor fails to sign while Legislature is in session, as provided by the Constitution If, having been vetoed by Governor, it is repassed by a majority vote of both bodies. If not repassed, bill is dead.