HOW A BILL BECOMES LAW
And How Court Administration Can Have Input
IDEA
Can be suggested by
anyone:
• Citizen
• Consumer group
• Professional association
• Executive Branch
agency
• Governor
• Judicial Branch
AUTHOR
– Each bill needs a Senator and a
Representative to sponsor and
introduce bill (chief author)
– Responsible for moving it through the
process
INTRODUCTION
– Introduced in
House and Senate
• “First Reading”
– Gets bill number
– Referred to
appropriate
committee for
discussion based
on subject matter
COMMITTEE PROCESS
– Bill is discussed in one or more committee
– Testimony taken
– Bill may be amended
– Committee recommends action
– Report sent to Floor
– Possible referral to other committees
FLOOR
ACTION
– After full House or Senate receive final
committee report, the bill has “second
reading”.
– Placed on general calendar
• House – General Register
• Senate – General Orders
– Placed on calendar for the Day
– Floor debate and amendment
FINAL PASSAGE
“Third Reading”
• If versions are identical bill goes to
Governor for signature
• If versions are close, one side accepts
other’s language and bill goes to Governor
• If versions are different bill goes to
Conference Committee
CONFERENCE
COMMITTEE
– Differences are worked out and a
compromise is reached
– Conference Committee report
presented to full House and Senate
– Only “yes or no” vote possible
– Can be sent back to Conference
Committee
– Goes to Governor for signature
GOVERNOR
– Sign it
– Veto it within 3 days
• 2/3 vote of House
and Senate will override veto
– Allow it to become law by not signing it
– “Line item veto” parts of a money bill
– “Pocket veto” a bill passed during last
three days by not signing it within 14
days after adjournment
JUDICIAL BRANCH ACTIVITIES
– Pursue Legislation and Budget Request
• Proposals are submitted to Judicial Council
for endorsement
• Testimony and relevant information
provided
– Testimony provided for other initiatives
– Questions answered for legislators and
staff
WHAT CAN I DO?
– Write a letter to your legislators
– Participate in ride along program
– Suggest legislative changes
– Participate on MACM Legislative Committee
– Keep responding to requests for information
– Review proposed legislation and report on
impacts