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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
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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
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 DO NOTPASS
Bill Passage • Bill read for third time • Debated on chamber floor • Vote
Votes for Passage • Majority Vote • House 51 votes • Senate 18 votes • ¾Vote 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 VETO