HOW A BILL BECOMES A LAW Simulation

STEP 1: BILL IS INTRODUCED Draft a bill (an idea for a new law or changes to an existing law) Write down your group’s bill and an explanation of why it should become a law. Introduce bill Read your group’s bill to the class.

STEP 2: COMMITTEE Hearings Bill is assigned to a committee Exchange your bill with another group. Bill is discussed and voted on in committee Discuss the bill with your group and vote on whether or not it should become a law. Write down an explanation of why it should or should not become a law.

STEP 3: BILL IS DISCUSSED & VOTED ON Bill is discussed/debated by the whole house Read your group’s bill and explanation to the class and answer any questions about the bill. Bill is voted on by the whole house The class will vote on whether or not the bill should become a law.

Step 4: if passed, bill is sent to THE other house Bill is introduced, Committee Hearings, and bill is discussed and voted on In order for a bill to become a law, both houses must agree (vote) on the same version of the bill.

Step 5: if passed by both houses, bill goes to THE governor Governor may sign the bill or do nothing, and the bill becomes a law. Governor may also veto the bill. The teacher will either sign the bill, do nothing, or veto the bill. Both houses may vote to override the veto by a 2/3 majority in each house.