How a Bill Becomes a Law Idea from the People of Arkansas

How a Bill Becomes a Law

Idea from the People of Arkansas

Bill Drafting

• Legislator contacts staff for options and background information

• Staff researches topic

• Staff drafts bill

• Approved by legislator

• Bill prepared for introduction

Introduction

• Must be introduced by legislator

• More than one legislator can sponsor

• Bill given to Chief Clerk of the House or Secretary of the Senate

Bill Readings

• Bill read aloud for the first and second time in chamber

• Bill assigned to committee

Bills in Committee

• Bills presented and debated

• Committee recommends action

Committee Actions

• Recommendations

• Do Pass
• Do Pass as Amended
• Do Not Pass

Do Pass

• Do pass recommendation

• Committee recommends passage of bill with no changes

Do Pass as Amended

• Amendments

• Change wording of bill
• Add or take away parts of bill
• Change amount or funding source

• Approval

• Engrossed into bill

• Not Approved

• Returned to committee

Do Not Pass

• Do Not Pass Recommendation

• Committee recommends that the full membership do not pass the bill

Bill Passage

• Bill read for third time

• Debated on chamber floor

• Vote

Votes for Passage

• Majority Vote

• House 51 votes
• Senate 18 votes

• ¾ Vote of House and Senate

• Appropriation Bills
• Tax Increases
• Constitutional Amendments

Bill Sent to Other Chamber

• Same Process begins in other Chamber

• Readings
• Committee
• Committee Recommendation
• Vote

Bill Returns to Original Chamber

• Bill passed in other chamber returned to originating chamber

• Any amendments from other chamber are considered by originating chamber

• Prepared for transmittal to Governor’s Office

Governor’s Actions

• Sign the Bill

• No Action

• Veto

Sign Bill

• Governor signs bill

• Bill sent to Secretary of State for Act Number

• Message sent to originating chamber that bill became a law

No Action

• Governor does not sign or veto the bill

• Bill becomes law without Governor’s signature

Veto

• Bill returned to originating chamber with explanation for veto

• Reconsideration

• Possible vote to override veto