How a bill becomes a law

Definitions A bill is a written statement or complaint not yet a law. A law is a body of rules that pertain to a certain subject.

An idea can come from anybody. Only the members of congress can introduce a bill in congress.

After the idea for the bill is developed, the bill must be written. A member of congress will introduce the bill to congress and become that bill’s sponsor (supporter).

Bills can be introduced whenever the house is in session. They are placed in a special box called the hopper in the house. The box is located at the speakers platform. The first reading of a bill means the bill's title is read on the House Floor. The bill is then referred to a committee by the speaker of the house or the president of the senate.

The bill is referred to the appropriate committee. The committees each have jurisdiction over different areas of public policy, such as agriculture, education and the workforce, and international relations. Committee members vote to accept or reject the changes made. The committee votes on the bill after it has been debated and/or amended

The bill is carefully studied. The subcommittee may hold hearings to obtain the views of experts, supporters, and opponents. The subcommittee will meet to make changes to the bill. They will vote to accept or reject the changes.

The bill is sent to the House Floor for consideration.

A bill can come to the House Floor for consideration in a variety of ways. Floor action begins and Members debate the bill. Following debate, the second reading of the bill begins. At the conclusion of all amendment debate, the bill is read a third time. Next, the House is ready to vote on the bill.

The bill is read by title only and put to a vote. Members in attendance will vote to pass or not to pass the bill. If a majority of the House votes to pass the bill, the bill is then referred to the Senate to undergo a similar process of approval.

When a bill passes in the House, it must also pass in the Senate in order to become a law. Members may vote to pass or not to pass the bill. The members of the house and the senate must agree on the differences before it can be sent to the Governor.

When the bill passes in the house in the senate it is sent to the governor for signature. The president may decide that the bill is unwise or unnecessary and veto the bill. The president may sign the bill, and the bill becomes law

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Governor