HOW A BILL BECOMES LAW And How Court Administration Can Have Input

IDEA Can be suggested by anyone: Citizen Consumer group Professional association Executive Branch agency Governor Judicial Branch

AUTHOR –Each bill needs a Senator and a Representative to sponsor and introduce bill (chief author) –Responsible for moving it through the process

INTRODUCTION –Introduced in House and Senate “First Reading” –Gets bill number –Referred to appropriate committee for discussion based on subject matter

COMMITTEE PROCESS –Bill is discussed in one or more committee –Testimony taken –Bill may be amended –Committee recommends action –Report sent to Floor –Possible referral to other committees

FLOOR ACTION –After full House or Senate receive final committee report, the bill has “second reading”. –Placed on general calendar House – General Register Senate – General Orders –Placed on calendar for the Day –Floor debate and amendment

FINAL PASSAGE “Third Reading” If versions are identical bill goes to Governor for signature If versions are close, one side accepts other’s language and bill goes to Governor If versions are different bill goes to Conference Committee

CONFERENCE COMMITTEE –Differences are worked out and a compromise is reached –Conference Committee report presented to full House and Senate –Only “yes or no” vote possible –Can be sent back to Conference Committee –Goes to Governor for signature

GOVERNOR –Sign it –Veto it within 3 days 2/3 vote of House and Senate will override veto –Allow it to become law by not signing it –“Line item veto” parts of a money bill –“Pocket veto” a bill passed during last three days by not signing it within 14 days after adjournment

JUDICIAL BRANCH ACTIVITIES –Pursue Legislation and Budget Request Proposals are submitted to Judicial Council for endorsement Testimony and relevant information provided –Testimony provided for other initiatives –Questions answered for legislators and staff

WHAT CAN I DO? –Write a letter to your legislators –Participate in ride along program –Suggest legislative changes –Participate on MACM Legislative Committee –Keep responding to requests for information –Review proposed legislation and report on impacts