How a Bill Becomes a law… RHA Style Lydia Harvengt – RHA Chief Justice

1. What types of legislation exist?  Bill = Bylaws  Act = Constitution  Resolution = states a recommendation or opinion on an issue

Who can write it? Any (1) or more representatives Any member of RHA (as prescribed by RHA law) can write and sponsor legislation, but it must be submitted with at least one (1) RHA representative as a cosponsor or co-author A non-RHA member cannot sponsor legislation, but may sign as a supporter of legislation.

What does legislation look like?  Legislation presented to the Residence Hall Association must include a relevant title, purpose, at least one whereas clause, and a conclusion that states the effect of the legislation.

Revising the Constitution (Acts)  Revisions must require a committee made up of representatives of Congress and the Executive Board. See Constitution Article XIV

After it’s written…  Submit it to Lane Adams via by 5PM on Friday, and it will be seen in committees the next Monday  All legislation must have at least one (1) week between the time that it is introduced into a committee and then passed in Congress. This is to allow time for all residents, representatives, and other proper sources to see and know legislation that is being introduced.

In Committees  Legislation powers shall be as follows:  1. A piece of legislation shall be voted “Do Pass” whenever, by a majority vote of that committee, legislation is sent to Congress. 2. A piece of legislation shall be voted “Do Fail” whenever, by a majority vote of that committee, legislation is failed and sent back to the author. 3. A piece of legislation shall be voted “Do Pass with Committee Recommendation” whenever, by a major vote of that committee, legislation is sent to Congress with a committee recommendation. See bylaws iii

In Congress [Do Pass] Only an author or co-author of legislation can give an authorship speech and must be present to give said speech Authorship speeches shall be no longer than 2-minutes and must be on the legislation on the floor All representatives will be granted up to 1-minute to speak when recognized There must be a call to Previous Question before any vote can be cast Authors, or sponsors if an author is not available, have the option of giving a closing speech no longer than 1-minute about the legislation on the floor. This is given after a Call to Question has been passed by 2/3 of representatives present and the speaker’s list has been exhausted.

In Congress [Do Fail] iii.2. A member of Congress can call a repeal of the Operations committee’s decision to fail a funding request or piece of legislation. Congress can approve this repeal by a 3/4 th vote.  i. If the repeal passes with a three-fourths vote, the legislation or funding request will then be seen directly by Congress.

The Voting  In Committees - majority  In Congress  Act (Constitution) – Two-thirds majority  Bill (bylaws) – Simple majority  Resolution – Simple majority

Any Questions?  me at