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How a Bill Becomes Law

The Bill Is Introduced

Before a bill develops into law, it passes through various stages. A bill is simply a

developed idea by a senator or a representative who actually sponsors the bill. The idea

can be original or suggestions from interest groups, constituents, the governor or public

officials. Various lawmakers may be requested to join as co-sponsors regardless of the

party that sponsors the bill. The bill is then drafted. During the drafting stage, the

nonpartisan Legislative Services Agency offers research expertise and drafting

assistance (National Human Genome Research Institute 1). The bill is then introduced a

member of congress.

Committee Stage

Soon after the bill is introduced in the floor, it is referred to a house committee. At

this stage, committee members carefully examine the bill, and its probability of passage

is first ascertained. In the event that committee members fail to act on the legislation,

the bill dies (West Virginia Legislature 1).

Review by a Subcommittee and Making Recommendations

Bills are normally delegated to a subcommittee for hearings and study. Hearings

offer the opportunity for other stakeholders to air their views. These stakeholders

include experts, the executive arm of the government, public officers and supporters,

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and those opposing the bill. After the completion of the hearings, the subcommittee can

meet and make amendments to the bill before recommending it to the full committee. If

the subcommittee members vote in favor of terminating the bill, the bill dies. On the

other hand, if the vote is in favor of the bill, it is referred to the committee (National

Human Genome Research Institute 1).

Committee Action to Report a Bill and Voting

Following the receipt of the report from the subcommittee, all members of the

committee vote on the bill`s recommendation to the senate or house. Members of the

senate or house debate the bill and pass or reject any amendments forwarded. Through

their votes, members can either pass or defeat the bill (West Virginia Legislature 1).

The Bill is referred to either the House or the Senate

Once the senate or the house approves a bill, the bill is transferred to the other

house, where it often takes the same path through committee and members voting. The

other house may pass the legislation as it is, change it, ignore it, or reject it.

Conference Committee Stage

If members of the other chamber substantially change the legislation, a

conference committee is created to harmonize the differences between the Senate and

the House. If the conferees do not reach a consensus, the legislation dies. If they agree,

they prepare a conference report that describes the recommendations of the committee

members for changes. Both houses must then approve the conference report (Mont 1).

Presidential Assent

Following the approval of the bill in an identical form by both the House and

Senate, it is forwarded to the head of state. If the bill is approved by the president, he

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signs it and it turns into law. Failure by the president to take action within 10 days when

congress is in session, the legislation becomes law by default. If the president

disapproves the legislation, he can veto the bill; or if he does not take action after the

adjournment of Congress` second sitting, it is a "pocket veto" and the bill dies (Mont 1).

Overriding a Veto

In the event that the bill is vetoed by the president, congress may try to overrule

the veto. If the Senate and the House vote in favor of the bill by two thirds majority, they

overrule the president's veto, and the legislation becomes law.

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Works Cited

Mount, Steve. "Constitutional Topic: How a Bill Becomes a Law - The U.S. Constitution

Online - USConstitution.net." 2010. Web. 31 Aug 2013.

<http://www.usconstitution.net/consttop_law.html>.

National Human Genome Research Institute. "How a Bill Becomes Law." 2003. Web. 31

Aug 2013. <http://www.genome.gov/12513982>.

West Virginia Legislature. "How a Bill Becomes Law." 2013. Web. 31 Aug 2013.

<http://www.legis.state.wv.us/Educational/Bill_Becomes_Law/Bill_Becomes_Law

.cfm>.