2010 Legislative Workshop Presented by: Chris Neal, State Farm The Winter Haven Chamber of Commerce, Leg. and Gov’t Affairs Committee’s

Confused?

The Legislative Process Bills are introduced by members of the House and Senate. Legislators may “sponsor” legislation. Typically, a bill will have both a House and Senate sponsor. Bills may also be introduced as a result of work done by a legislative committee. Usually, the committee chair will “sponsor” the bill.

The Legislative Process Bills are introduced by members of the House and Senate. HB 447/SB 876

The Legislative Process Bills are referred to committees for review by the Speaker of the House or the Senate President. Legislative Committees deal with a particular subject matter. Each committee has a Chair and members appointed by the Speaker or Sen. President. List of House Committees and Councils List of House Committees and Councils List of Senate Committees

The Legislative Process Once bills have passed their committees, they head to the “Floor.” Lawmakers debate legislation on the “floor” and then vote. Bills need a majority vote to pass. Bills must be “read” three times before passage. Both the House and Senate must pass identical bills before the measure heads to the governor.

The Legislative Process Once passed, a bill heads to the governor for signature. Florida governors may sign or veto bills, or allow them to become law without a signature. Governor Charlie Crist at the recent Sun-Rail bill signing

Tracking Legislation The Clerks of the House and Senate are charged with keeping track of the hundreds of bills filed each year. The best tool for you is the House Bill Tracker.House Bill Tracker Great Web Resources: House Calendar Senate Calendar

Tracking Legislation Legislative debate takes place in Tallahassee, our state capitol. The Florida Channel provides “gavel- to-gavel” coverage of the Florida Legislature. Watch online or on television The Florida Channel Direct link from House and Senate House Senate

Influencing Legislation It’s best to get involved with the legislative process early. The closer a bill is to passage, the harder it is to change the outcome. Vote YES on Education!

Resources Your legislator Industry Associations The WH Chamber The Florida Chamber Newspapers Interest groups Your opposition

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