Busy Little Bill: How a Bill Becomes a Law in Georgia

Step 1: Proposal Written in legal language Given a name and number – ex: “HB 101”

Step 2: Committee Copies are made for all members of that house Bill is assigned to committee

Step 3: Committee Hearings Committee holds hearings Studies and discusses bill

Step 4: Committee Votes Can hold bill Recommend it pass Recommend it not pass Change bill

Step 5: House Floor Votes Members discuss, debate and may change bill If majority vote in favor, bill passes to other house

Step 6: Sent to other house Sent to Senate if started in House of Reps Sent to House if started in Senate

Step 7: Committee Committee holds hearing and votes on its recommendation

Step 8: Floor Vote Members of house vote If different versions pass – must go to conference committee If it passes, both officers must sign it before it goes to the governor

Step 9: Governor Governor can sign it into law, take no action (still becomes a law), or veto it General Assembly can override a veto with 2/3 vote of both houses

School House Rock Videos I’m Just a Bill http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mEJL2Uuv-oQ Preamble http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQdDjBAJt7c&feature=related No More Kings http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t-9pDZMRCpQ&feature=related Shot Heard ‘Round the World http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AhdmDDBjco0&feature=related