Chapter 3
How a Bill Becomes Law
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES |
SENATE |
INTRODUCTION |
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| Bill is introduced in the House of Representatives | Bill is introduced in the Senate |
READING AND REFERRAL |
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| First reading and assignment to House committee | First reading and assignment to Senate committee |
COMMITTEE CONSIDERATION |
|
| House committee considers and debates bill; receives public testimony | Senate committee considers and debates bill; receives public testimony |
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION |
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| House committee makes a recommendation and sent to the full House | Senate committee makes a recommendation and sent to the full Senate |
FLOOR ACTION |
|
| The bill and committee recommendation are placed on the calendar for full House consideration and a vote | The bill and committee recommendation are placed on the calendar for full Senate consideration and vote |
ON TO THE OTHER CHAMBER |
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| If the bill passes the House, it is sent to the Senate and the process is repeated. If the bill fails, it dies. | If the bill passes the Senate, it is sent to the House and the process is repeated. If the bill fails, it dies. |
RESOLVING DIFFERENCES |
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| If the two chambers disagree on a bill, a conference committee is appointed to resolve issues. | If the two chambers disagree, a conference committee is appointed to resolve issues. |
ACTION BY GOVERNOR |
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| The governor may sign the bill, veto the bill, or let the bill become law without his signature. If the governor vetoes the bill, the two houses of the Legislative Assembly may override the veto with a 2/3 vote. | The governor may sign the bill, veto the bill, or let the bill become law without his signature. If the governor vetoes the bill, the two houses of the Legislative Assembly may override the veto with a 2/3 vote. |
