HOW A BILL BECOMES A LAW

*YOUR ROLE

A bill is prepared.

*Suggest provisions to be included in the bill.

The bill is introduced in one chamber of the legislature by one or two sponsors and many co-sponsors.

*Help find co-sponsors for the bill through letters, calls, visits.

The bill is examined by a committee according to its subject area (e.g. a bill about health care would be assigned to the Ways and Means Committee).

*Work with the committee to help its member understand the bill and prevent any alterations that could weaken its impact.

Hearings are held to discuss the bill.

*Testify at the hearings.

The committee votes on the bill.

*Lobby (phone, write, visit) committee members to gather support for the bill.

If the bill passes through committee, it is sent along to the entire legislative body for further debate and a vote.

*Lobby swing members to support the bill and generate letters, phone calls, lobby visits and media from your supporters.

If it passes, the bill is sent to the other chamber in the legislature (unless the other chamber is already working on similar legislation).

*Line up co-sponsors for the bill in the other chamber.

The bill is examined by the relevant committee in that chamber.

*Work with members of that committee to strengthen support for the bill.

Hearings are held again.

*Testify at the hearings.

If the bill passes committee, it is brought to the floor for debate and a vote.

*Lobby swing voters.

If the bill passes, it probably does so with amendments that now need to be reconciled in a conference committee made up of representatives of both chambers before it is finally voted on.

*Lobby members of the conference committee to protect the bill from weakening amendments.

If it passes both houses as amended by the conference committee, it is sent to the executive (the president or governor) for signature.

*Publicize the bill's passage and generate support for executive approval of the bill.

If the executive signs the bill, it becomes law.

*Celebrate!