Legislative Process: How a Bill Becomes a Law

Student Bill (S.B.91030) 1. Think of a bill that you would like to see passed into law to improve the lives of high school seniors across the country. Give your bill a catchy title, and write a 2-3 sentence description of its main features. 2. Now draw a flowchart of the steps you think it would take to get your bill passed into law, from beginning to end. Include as many steps as you think are necessary, with a minimum of three. 3. After you complete your flowchart, highlight or star the step that you think is particularly important. Write a brief explanation of why you think it is so important.

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Introduction Ideas for bills come from citizens, President, members of Congress, or special-interest groups Bills may only be introduced/sponsored by a member of Congress. Appropriations bills must start in the House. Bills are drafted and given a number.

Committee Action Bill is sent to the appropriate standing committee. May also be sent to subcommittee Committees research, revise, and debate bills Choices: Reject it immediately Pigeonhole it Approve it

Floor Debate Bill debated in the house that introduced it. Very strict rules for debate in the House of Representatives. Fewer rules for debate in the Senate. Filibuster Cloture If approved, the bill goes to the other house for approval.

Conference Committee Joint committee made up of members from both houses. Job: Create a compromised version of revised bills. Both houses must agree on changes.

Presidential Action Approval: Rejection: Sign bill into law Bill becomes law without signature Keeps bill for 10 days, Congress IN session Rejection: Veto Pocket veto Keeps bill for 10 days, Congress NOT in session

Reflection Think about the bill that you researched and wrote a letter about. Why was this topic important to you? If you could make any changes to the bill, what would they be and why? What other topics of legislation might interest you? Do you plan on writing letters to your reps in the future? Explain.