How a (tax) bill becomes a law

House or Senate

House

BILL IS INTRODUCED

SENT TO COMMITTEE

REFERED TO SUBCOMMITTEE

REPORTED BY FULL COMMITTEE (WITH RECOMMENDATIONS)

GIVEN TO RULES COMMITTEE

DEBATE ON HOUSE FLOOR (and a vote – 50+%)

SENATE

BILL IS INTRODUCED

SENT TO COMMITTEE

REFERED TO SUBCOMMITTEE

REPORTED BY FULL COMMITTEE (WITH RECOMMENDATIONS)

DEBATE ON SENATE FLOOR (and a vote – 50+%)

SENT TO CONFERENCE COMMITTEE (adjusted & vote)

BACK TO HOUSE & BACK TO SENATE FOR VOTE

SENT TO PRESIDENT

Presidential Actions Sign it into law Ignore it into law (if Congress is in session) Veto the bill “Pocket veto” (ignore it – Congress not in session)

Veto actions by Congress Override the veto (2/3 vote in House & Senate) Impeach the President

How a bill becomes a law (Additional Notes)

Introducing a bill Ideas for bills may come from anyone Bills are introduced into Congress (US) or the Legislature (States) by legislators only. Most bills “die” in committee All revenue bills must start in the HOUSE – WHY?

Why do revenue/spending bills start in the House? Connects to the idea of “Limited Government” The House has more members = more debate The House is “closest to the people”

Why is the process so long? Connects to the “Limited government” idea A good idea will make it through An idea that is not good or not ready will die *Side note: This is why people are so critical of “Executive Actions”

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The “reality” of lawmaking The process is often streamlined (shortcuts)

The “reality” of lawmaking The process is often streamlined (shortcuts) – All people involved communicate along the way

The “reality” of lawmaking Political parties play a huge role

The “reality” of lawmaking Political parties play a huge role – “Majority Leader” decides what gets introduced – They know the opp. Party will reject – Introduce after the election

The “reality” of lawmaking Interest groups (esp. rich, powerful) have enormous power

The “reality” of lawmaking Interest groups (esp. rich, powerful) have enormous power – They have the resources to influence the government *Side note: this is why critics do NOT like more government involvement!

The “reality” of lawmaking Names have meaning

The “reality” of lawmaking Names have meaning – “Affordable Care Act” – “Clean Air Act” – “No child left behind”

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Types of Committees INTERIM committees meet between legislative sessions. CONFERENCE committees resolve differing versions of bills SPECIAL/SELECT committees created for specific purposes

Types of Laws

Laws that deal with crimes & punishments are called

Laws that deal with crimes & punishments are called Criminal Law

Laws that involve disputes between 2 or more parties (people, organizations, etc.) are called

Laws that involve disputes between 2 or more parties (people, organizations, etc.) are called Civil Law

Major / Serious crimes are called

Major / Serious crimes are called Felonies

Medium/Moderate crimes are called

Medium/Moderate crimes are called Misdemeanors (degrees - disorderly conduct, prostitution)

Minor crimes are referred to as

Minor crimes are referred to as Summary Offences (Non-traffic – loitering, petty theft)

A piece of legislation enacted by a local municipal authority.

A piece of legislation enacted by a local municipal authority. Ordinance

Who deals with the broken laws or disputes depends on

Who deals with the broken laws or disputes depends on Jurisdiction

Federal crimes include:

Federal crimes include: mail fraud identity theft drug trafficing illegal immigration illegal downloading

State crimes include:

State crimes include: violent crime property crime * weapon offenses kidnapping stalking