STATE BILL TO LAW PROCESSES

This page has links on where to find the process a bill goes through for each state.

Alabama

Official:Bill Process

STEP 1 – INTRODUCTION
Bill draft is filed in either the House or Senate.

STEP 2 – 1ST READING
Bill is read by title only.

STEP 3 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to committee by the leaders of the House or Senate.

STEP 4 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is done on bill.

STEP 5 – COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee votes on bill and reports it back to the chamber as favorable or unfavorable. 

STEP 6 – 2ND READING
Bill is again read by title only.

STEP 7 – 3RD READING AND PASSAGE
Bill is fully read, discussed, possibly amended, and then voted on in the chamber of origin.

STEP 8 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
Bill that passes 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber and follows the same process.

STEP 9 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (IF UNAMENDED SEE STEP 12)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval.  The chamber can either concur with (approve of) the amendments, not concur and let the bill die, or not concur and call a conference committee.  

STEP 10 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
Conference committee works out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and includes their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 11 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report. 

STEP 12 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
If both chambers agree on the same version of the bill, it is sent to the Governor for signing. 

STEP 13 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signed the bill into law, vetoes it or takes no action.  If no action is taken, the bill becomes law.   When the bill is sent during the last 5 days of session and no action is taken, it is pocket vetoed, or dead. 

STEP 14 – VETO OVERRIDE
If bill is vetoed, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law notwithstanding the governor’s veto. 
 

 
Alaska

Official: Bill Process

STEP 1 – BILL DRAFTING
A legislator or committee submits a bill proposal to the Legislative Affairs Agency (Department of Law if from Governor) who then drafts it and returns it to them. 

STEP 2 - INTRODUCTION
Bill is filed in either the House or Senate.

STEP 3 – 1ST READING
Bill is read by title only.

STEP 4 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to committee.

STEP 5 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is done on bill.  At this time, other bills can be combined with it. 

STEP 6 – COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee votes on bill and reports it back to the chamber.  It can either pass it as is or have a substitute or amendments added. 

STEP 7 – REFERRED TO NEXT COMMITTEE (Skip if none)
Bill is then referred to the next committee and follows the same process.

STEP 8 – RULES COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to the Rules committee, which can hold hearings and make amendments.  If approved by Rules, it puts the bill on the calendar for a 2nd reading.

STEP 9 – 2ND READING
Bill is again read by title only and any amendments are introduced and voted on.  Any amendments approved are added to bill. 

STEP 10 – 3RD READING AND PASSAGE
Bill is fully read and then voted on in the chamber of origin.

STEP 11 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
If the bill passes the 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber and follows the same process.

STEP 12 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (IF UNAMENDED SEE STEP 15)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval.  The chamber can either concur with (approve of) the amendments or not concur and call a conference committee.  

STEP 13 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
Conference committee works out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and includes their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 14 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report. 

STEP 15 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
If both chambers agree on the same version of the bill, it is sent to the Governor for signing. 

STEP 13 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signs the bill into law, vetoes it or takes no action.  If no action is taken, the bill becomes law.  

STEP 14 – VETO OVERRIDE
If bill is vetoed, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law. 
 

Arizona

Official:

Simple Bill Process

Advanced Bill Process

STEP 1 – BILL DRAFTING
A legislator or committee submits a bill proposal to the Legislative Council who then drafts it and returns it to them. 

STEP 2 - INTRODUCTION
Bill is filed in either the House or Senate and given a number.

STEP 3 – 1ST READING
Bill is read by title only. The next step varies depending on whether the bill is in the House or Senate. 

STEP 4 – 2ND READING (Senate only)
In the Senate, the bill has a 2nd reading by title next. 

STEP 5 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to committee.

STEP 6 – SUBCOMMITTEE
The committee may refer the bill to a subcommittee either before or after the committee hearing.  The subcommittee then discusses it, proposes what action to take on it, and sends it back to committee.  

STEP 7 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is either done on bill before or after being sent to any subcommittee.  Amendments can be introduced.  A common amendment is called the strike everything amendment which allows the entire bill to be replaced with another bill, even one not introduced in time.    

STEP 8 – COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee votes on the amendments and then the bill and reports it back to the chamber. 

STEP 9 – REFERRED TO NEXT COMMITTEE (Skip if none)
Bill is often then referred to a 2nd committee where it follows the same process.

STEP 10 – RULES COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to the Rules committee, which determines if the bill is constitutional and in proper form. 

STEP 11 – 2ND READING (House only)
In the House, the bill goes to a 2nd reading by title only. 

STEP 12 – CAUCUS
In Arizona, bills that pass their committee(s) are sent to a caucus for each political party (Democratic Caucus and Republican Caucus).  This gives the entire House or Senate membership of each political party to learn about the bills passed and state their stance on it. 

STEP 13 – CONSENT CALENDAR (Senate only)
A bill in the Senate if approved by Rules and unamended by committee CAN be placed on the Consent Calendar and go straight to 3rd reading and skip Step 13.

STEP 14 – COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The bill then goes to the Committee of the Whole (committee of the entire House or Senate) where debate takes place and amendments can be introduced and passed.  The committee then votes to pass the bill with any approved amendments on to the regular House or Senate. 

Bill is again read by title only and any amendments are introduced and voted on.  Any amendments approved are added to bill. 

STEP 15 – 3RD READING AND PASSAGE
Bill is read and then voted on in the chamber of origin.

STEP 16 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
If the bill passes the 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber and follows the same process.

STEP 17 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (IF UNAMENDED SEE STEP 20)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval.  The chamber can either concur with (approve of) the amendments or not concur and call a conference committee.  

STEP 18 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
Conference committee works out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and includes their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 19 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report. 

STEP 20 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
If both chambers agree on the same version of the bill, it is sent to the Governor for signing. 

STEP 21 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signs the bill into law, vetoes it or takes no action.  If no action is taken, the bill becomes law.  

STEP 22 – VETO OVERRIDE
If bill is vetoed and the legislature adjourned, the bill is dead.  If it is still in session, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law. 

Arkansas

Official: Bill Process

STEP 1 – BILL DRAFTING
A legislator or committee drafts the bill. 

STEP 2 - INTRODUCTION
Bill is filed in either the House or Senate.

STEP 3 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to committee.

STEP 4 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is done on bill.  Amendments can be introduced and approved. 

STEP 5 – COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee votes on bill and reports it back to the chamber. 

STEP 6 – 1ST READING
Bill is read.

STEP 7 – 2ND READING
Bill is again read.  Then any amendments are introduced and voted on. 

STEP 8 – 3RD READING AND PASSAGE
Bill is read and then voted on in the chamber of origin.

STEP 9 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
If the bill passes the 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber and follows the same process.

STEP 10 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (IF UNAMENDED SEE STEP 13)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval.  The chamber can either concur with (approve of) the amendments or not concur and call a conference committee.  

STEP 11 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
Conference committee works out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and includes their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 12 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report. 

STEP 13 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
If both chambers agree on the same version of the bill, it is sent to the Governor for signing. 

STEP 14 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signs the bill into law, amends the bill and sends it back to the House and Senate for approval, vetoes it or takes no action.  If no action is taken, the bill becomes law.  

STEP 15 – VETO OVERRIDE OR AMENDMENT APPROVAL
If bill is vetoed, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law. 

If the bill is amended by the Governor, each chamber must vote whether to approve it.  If approved, it becomes law.

California

Official:

Simple Bill Process
Advanced Bill Process

STEP 1 – BILL DRAFTING
A legislator sends the idea to the Legislative Council to draft the bill. 

STEP 2 - INTRODUCTION
Bill is filed in either the House or Senate.

STEP 3 – 1ST READING
Bill is read by title only.

STEP 4 – OFFICE OF STATE PRINTING
Bill is sent to Office of State Printing to be officially printed. 

STEP 5 – REFERRED TO RULES COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to Rules committee, which decides which committee to send it to.

STEP 6 – REFERRED TO REGULAR COMMITTEE
Bill is sent by Rules to a regular committee, which are known as policy committees.

STEP 7 – REFERRED TO SUBCOMMITTEE (SKIP IF NONE)
Bill may be sent to a subcommittee, where it has a hearing, is voted on, and is sent back to committee.

STEP 8 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is done on bill.  Amendments can be introduced and approved. 

STEP 9 – COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee votes on bill where it can pass the bill, pass the bill as amended or defeat it.  It then reports it back to the chamber. 

STEP 10 – REFERRED TO FISCAL COMMITTEE (SKIP IF NONE)
After passing the policy committee, the bill can be sent to a fiscal committee. 

STEP 11 – 2ND READING
Bill is again read.  Then any amendments are introduced and voted on. 

STEP 12 – 3RD READING AND PASSAGE
Bill is read and then voted on in the chamber of origin.

STEP 13 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
If the bill passes the 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber and follows the same process.

STEP 14 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (IF UNAMENDED SEE STEP 16)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval.  The chamber can either concur with (approve of) the amendments or not concur and call a conference committee.  

STEP 15 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
Conference committee works out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and includes their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 16 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report. 

STEP 17 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
If both chambers agree on the same version of the bill, it is sent to the Governor for signing. 

STEP 18 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signs the bill into law, vetoes it or takes no action.  If no action is taken, the bill becomes law.  

STEP 19 – VETO OVERRIDE OR AMENDMENT APPROVAL
If bill is vetoed, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law. 
 

Colorado

Official: Bill Process

STEP 1 – BILL DRAFTING
A legislator drafts the bill. 

STEP 2 - INTRODUCTION
Bill is filed in either the House or Senate.

STEP 3 – 1ST READING
Bill is read.

STEP 4 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to committee. 

STEP 5 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is done on bill.  Amendments can be introduced and approved. 

STEP 6 – COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee votes on bill. 

STEP 7 – REFERRED TO 2nd COMMITTEE OR MORE (SKIP IF NONE)
Bill can be referred from the 1st committee to a 2nd one, where it will repeat the process. 

STEP 8 – REFERRED TO APPROPRIATIONS COMMITTEE (SKIP IF NONE)
After passing the regular committees, the bill can be sent to Appropriations.  The bill will then have a hearing and be voted on.  Amendments can be introduced and passed. 

STEP 9 – COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (COW)

Once the bill completes all committees, it is sent to the Committee of the Whole (committee of entire House or Senate).  The bill is then debated. 

STEP 10 – 2ND READING
Bill is again read.  The COW report is adopted.  Floor amendments can be introduced and voted on. 

STEP 11 – 3RD READING AND PASSAGE
Bill is read and then voted on in the chamber of origin.

STEP 12 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
If the bill passes the 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber and follows the same process.

STEP 13 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (IF UNAMENDED SEE STEP 16)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval.  The chamber can either concur with (approve of) the amendments or not concur and call a conference committee.  

STEP 14 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
Conference committee works out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and includes their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 15 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report. 

STEP 16 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
If both chambers agree on the same version of the bill, it is sent to the Governor for signing.  NOTE: If the bill has a referendum clause, it is placed on the ballot during elections instead. 

STEP 17 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signs the bill into law, vetoes it or takes no action.  If no action is taken, the bill becomes law.  

STEP 18 – VETO OVERRIDE OR AMENDMENT APPROVAL
If bill is vetoed, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law.  If the legislature is not in session to override it, the bill is dead. 
 

Connecticut

Official: Bill Process

STEP 1 – BASIC BILL DRAFTING
A legislator drafts a very basic version of the bill that is almost like a summary. 

STEP 2 - INTRODUCTION
Bill is filed in either the House or Senate and given a number.

STEP 3 – REFERRED TO JOINT COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to joint committee. 

STEP 4 – COMMITTEE COMBINES BILLS (SKIP IF N/A)
The committee can combine two or more bills into one committee bill. 

STEP 5 – COMMITTEE REFERS IMMEDIATELY TO ANOTHER COMMITTEE (SKIP IF N/A)
The committee can immediately refer it to another committee without taking any other action on it. 

STEP 6 – COMMITTEE DRAFTS THE BILL
If the committee wants to proceed with the bill, it will have the bill formally drafted into a complete bill. 

STEP 7 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is done on bill.  Amendments can be introduced and approved. 

STEP 8 – COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee votes on bill.  It can report it favorably, defeat it or take no action.    

STEP 9 – REFERRED TO 2nd COMMITTEE OR MORE (SKIP IF NONE)
Bill can be referred from the 1st committee to a 2nd one, where it will repeat the process. 

STEP 10 – LEGISLATIVE COMMISSIONERS OFFICE
After passing the committees, the bill is sent to the Legislative Commissioners Office to check to make sure it is constitutional and consistent with other laws. 

STEP 11 – OFFICE OF FISCAL ANALYSIS 
If reported out of the Legislative Commissioners Office, the Office of Fiscal Analysis adds an estimate on how much it will cost to enforce the bill. 

STEP 12 – OFFICE OF LEGISLATIVE RESEARCH
Office of Legislative Research adds an explanation to the bill. 

STEP 13 – CALENDAR NUMBER
Bill is given a calendar number to determine when it will be heard for final passage.

STEP 14 – 3RD READING AND PASSAGE
Bill is read and then voted on in the chamber of origin.

STEP 15 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
If the bill passes the 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber.  Since CT has joint committees, any amendments are introduced and added and the bill is just voted on.

STEP 16 – FINAL PRINTING
Bill is printed in final form with all amendments. 

STEP 17 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (IF UNAMENDED SEE STEP 20)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval.  The chamber can either concur with (approve of) the amendments or not concur and call a conference committee.  

STEP 18 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
Conference committee works out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and includes their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 19 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report. 

STEP 20 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
If both chambers agree on the same version of the bill, it is sent to the Governor for signing.

STEP 21 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signs the bill into law, vetoes it or takes no action.  If no action is taken, the bill becomes law.  

STEP 22 – VETO OVERRIDE OR AMENDMENT APPROVAL
If bill is vetoed, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law. 

 
Delaware

Official: Bill Process

STEP 1 – INTRODUCTION
Bill draft is filed in either the House or Senate.

STEP 2 – 1ST READING
Bill is read.

STEP 3 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to committee.

STEP 4 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is done on bill.

STEP 5 – COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee votes on bill and reports it back to the chamber. 

STEP 6 – BILL REFERRED TO 2ND COMMITTEE (SKIP IF NONE)
 Committee may refer the bill to another committee to repeat the process. 

STEP 7 – 2ND READING
Bill is again read and committee report considered.

STEP 8 – BILL PUT ON READY LIST
Bill is then put on ready list to await a 3rd reading.

STEP 9 – 3RD READING AND PASSAGE
Bill is read, discussed, possibly amended, and then voted on in the chamber of origin.  Bill can also be referred back to committee where the committee process will begin again. 

STEP 10 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
Bill that passes 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber and follows the same process.

STEP 11 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (IF UNAMENDED SEE STEP 14)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval.  The chamber can either concur with (approve of) the amendments, not concur and let the bill die, or not concur and call a conference committee.  

STEP 12 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
Conference committee works out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and includes their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 13 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report. 

STEP 14 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
If both chambers agree on the same version of the bill, it is sent to the Governor for signing. 

STEP 15 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signs the bill into law, vetoes it or takes no action.  If no action is taken, the bill becomes law.    

STEP 16 – VETO OVERRIDE
If bill is vetoed, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law.  If the legislature is adjourned when the bill is vetoed, it dies. 


 

Florida

Official: Bill Process


STEP 1 – DRAFTING
Either the legislator drafts the bill or sends to bill drafting service.

STEP 2 – INTRODUCTION
Bill draft is filed in either the House or Senate.

STEP 3 – 1ST READING
Bill is read.

STEP 4 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to committee by leader of House or Senate.

STEP 5 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is done on bill.

STEP 6 – COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee votes on bill and reports it back to the chamber.  It can report the bill favorably (pass as is), favorably with amendment, favorably with substitute or unfavorable.  

STEP 7 – PLACED ON CALENDAR FOR 2nd READING
 Bill is placed on what is known as the Special Order Calendar to have a 2nd reading. 

STEP 8 – 2ND READING
Bill is again read and any amendments are introduced and approved.  Amendments are then engrossed (or added to the bill). 

STEP 9 – 3RD READING AND PASSAGE
Bill is read, discussed, possibly amended, and then voted on in the chamber of origin.  If amended, amendments are engrossed (added to the bill). 

STEP 10 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
Bill that passes 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber and follows the same process.

STEP 11 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (SKIP TO STEP 15 IF UNAMENDED)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval.  The chamber can either concur with (approve of) the amendments or not concur and call a conference committee.  

STEP 12 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
Conference committee works out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and includes their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 13 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report. 

STEP 14 – ENGROSSING
If the bill is passed with amendments in the 2nd chamber and the original one concurs or the bill passes with conference committee amendments, it goes to engrossing where the amendments are added to the bill. 

STEP 15 – ENROLLING

Once both chambers approve the bill, it goes to enrolling where it is converted into final form as an act (not a law yet though). 

STEP 16 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
If both chambers agree on the same version of the bill, it is sent to the Governor for signing. 

STEP 17 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signs the bill into law, vetoes it or takes no action.  If no action is taken, the bill becomes law.    

STEP 18 – VETO OVERRIDE
If bill is vetoed, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law. 

Georgia

Official: Bill Process

STEP 1 – DRAFTING
Legislator sends the bill idea to the Office of Legislative Council to have it drafted.

STEP 2 – INTRODUCTION
Bill draft is filed in either the House or Senate.

STEP 3 – 1ST READING
Bill is read by title only.

STEP 4 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to committee by leader of House or Senate.

STEP 5 – 2ND READING (HOUSE ONLY)
In the House, the bill is again read by title only even though it is committee. 

STEP 6 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is done on bill.

STEP 7 – COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee votes on bill and reports it back to the chamber.  It can report the bill Do Pass, Do Pass with changes (amendments or substitutes), Do NOT Pass, or Hold.  

STEP 8 – 2ND READING (SENATE ONLY)
If Do Pass, bill is again read by title. 

STEP 9 – 3RD READING AND PASSAGE
Bill is read by title, discussed, possibly amended, and then voted on in the chamber of origin.  If amended, amendments are engrossed (added to the bill). 

STEP 10 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
Bill that passes 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber and follows the same process.

STEP 11 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (SKIP TO STEP 14 IF UNAMENDED)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval.  The chamber can either concur with (approve of) the amendments or not concur and call a conference committee.  

STEP 12 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
Conference committee works out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and includes their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 13 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report. 

STEP 14 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
If both chambers agree on the same version of the bill, it is sent to the Governor for signing. 

STEP 15 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signs the bill into law, vetoes it or takes no action.  If no action is taken, the bill becomes law.    

STEP 16 – VETO OVERRIDE
If bill is vetoed, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law. 

 

Hawaii

Official: Bill Process

STEP 1 – DRAFTING
Legislator drafts the bill.

STEP 2 – INTRODUCTION
Bill draft is filed in either the House or Senate.

STEP 3 – 1ST READING
Bill is read.

STEP 4 – REFERRED TO 1st COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to committee.

STEP 5 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is done on bill.

STEP 6 – COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee votes on bill and reports it back to the chamber. 

STEP 7 – 2ND READING
Bill is again read. 

STEP 8 – REFERRED TO 2nd COMMITTEE
 Bill is referred to a 2nd committee where it repeats the process. 

STEP 9 – 2ND READING
Bill is again read. 

STEP 10 – 3RD READING AND PASSAGE
Bill is read, discussed, possibly amended, and then voted on in the chamber of origin. 

STEP 11 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
Bill that passes 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber and follows the same process.

STEP 12 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (SKIP TO STEP 15 IF UNAMENDED)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval.  The chamber can either concur with (approve of) the amendments or not concur and call a conference committee.  

STEP 13 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
Conference committee works out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and includes their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 14 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report. 

STEP 15 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
If both chambers agree on the same version of the bill, it is sent to the Governor for signing. 

STEP 16 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signs the bill into law, vetoes it or takes no action.  If no action is taken, the bill becomes law.    

STEP 17 – VETO OVERRIDE
If bill is vetoed, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law. 

Idaho

Official: Bill Process

STEP 1 – DRAFTING
Legislator or committee drafts the bill.

STEP 2 – INTRODUCTION
Bill draft is filed in either the House or Senate.

STEP 3 – 1ST READING
Bill is read.

STEP 4 – BILL IS PRINTED
Bill is referred to Judiciary, Rules and Administration Committee (House) or Judiciary and Rules Committee (Senate) for formal printing. 

STEP 5 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to a regular committee.

STEP 6 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is done on bill.

STEP 7 – COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee votes on bill and reports it back to the chamber.  It can either vote Do Pass, Without Recommendation (does not have a recommended action), Be Amended, Do Not Pass, Withdrawn (Senate can introduce another bill), or request referral to another committee.  The committee can also not take action on the bill so it dies. 

STEP 8 – REFERRED TO 2ND COMMITTEE
If the 1st committee recommends referring the bill to another committee, it is sent to the 2nd committee and follows the same process.

STEP 9 – COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
If the committee makes amendments, the bill is sent to the Committee of the Whole (committee of whole House or Senate) where it votes on the amendments. 

STEP 10 – 2ND READING
After the bill passes all committees, it is again read. 

STEP 11 – 3RD READING AND PASSAGE
Bill is read in length (can vote to dispense with full reading), discussed, possibly amended, and then voted on in the chamber of origin. 

STEP 12 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
Bill that passes 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber and follows the same process.

STEP 13 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (SKIP TO STEP 15 IF UNAMENDED)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval. 

STEP 14 – REFERRAL TO COMMITTEE
The bill is referred to committee that can either concur with (approve of) the amendments or not concur.  

STEP 15 – FULL CHAMBER APPROVAL
Once the committee makes their recommendation, the entire chamber votes whether to concur or not concur with the changes.  If it does NOT concur, a conference committee is called. 

STEP 16 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
Conference committee works out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and includes their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 17 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report. 

STEP 18 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
If both chambers agree on the same version of the bill, it is sent to the Governor for signing. 

STEP 19 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signed the bill into law, vetoes it or takes no action.  If no action is taken, the bill becomes law.    

STEP 20 – VETO OVERRIDE
If bill is vetoed, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law. 

Illinois

Official: Bill Process

STEP 1 – DRAFTING
Legislator submits idea to Legislative Reference Bureau to draft the bill.

STEP 2 – INTRODUCTION
Bill draft is filed in either the House or Senate.

STEP 3 – 1ST READING
Bill is read.

STEP 4 – REFERRED TO RULES COMMITTEE
Bill is referred to Rules Committee, which is responsible for assigning the bill to a committee.

STEP 5 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to a regular committee.

STEP 6 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is done on bill.

STEP 7 – COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee votes on bill and reports it back to the chamber.  It can either vote Do Pass, Do Pass As Amended, Do Not Pass, or Not Recommended. 

STEP 8 – FULL CHAMBER VOTES TO DISCHARGE (Do Not Pass or Not Recommended ONLY)
If the committee votes the bill Do Not Pass or Not Recommended, the full House or Senate must vote to discharge the bill in order for it to continue or otherwise it dies.  

STEP 9 – 2ND READING
After the bill passes committee, it is again read.  Then floor amendments can be introduced and approved.

STEP 10 – 3RD READING AND PASSAGE
Bill is read in length (can vote to dispense with full reading), discussed, possibly amended, and then voted on in the chamber of origin. 

STEP 11 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
Bill that passes 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber and follows the same process.

STEP 12 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (SKIP TO STEP 16 IF UNAMENDED)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval. 

STEP 13 – IF NOT APPROVED – SENT BACK TO 2ND CHAMBER TO RECEDE (IF APPROVED SKIP TO 16)
If amendments not approved by 1st chamber, it goes back to 2nd chamber to see if they will recede or remove their amendments.

STEP 14 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
If the 2nd chamber does not recede from their amendments, a conference committee is called to work out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and to include their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 15 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report. 

STEP 16 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
If both chambers agree on the same version of the bill, it is sent to the Governor for signing. 

STEP 17 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signs the bill into law or vetoes it. 

STEP 18 – VETO OVERRIDE
There are 3 types of vetoes and what happens next depends on which one it is.  If bill has a total veto (total bill is vetoed), it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law.  If not, it dies.  

If bill has an item or reduction veto (veto certain item or reduces monetary amount of appropriation bill), it must vote whether to restore the amount cut or not.  If not restored, it passes with the governor’s changes.  If both chambers vote to restore to original amount, it becomes law with the original amount. Any part of the bill not changed automatically becomes law whether the rest does or not. 

If bill has an amendatory veto (makes specific recommendations for change), both chambers may override the changes so the bill becomes law without the changes, concur with the changes and send back to governor to verify and approve changes, or take no action and kill the bill. 

 

Indiana

Official: Bill Process

NOTE: A chamber or committee can choose not to take action at any step of the bill and allow the bill to die after the deadline. 

STEP 1 – DRAFTING
Legislator drafts bill with the assistance of the Legislative Services Agency.

STEP 2 – INTRODUCTION
Bill draft is filed in either the House or Senate.

STEP 3 – 1ST READING
Bill is read by title. 

STEP 4 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to a committee by the leader of the House or Senate.

STEP 5 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is done on bill. 

STEP 6 – COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee votes on bill and reports it back to the chamber.  It can either vote to pass the bill or not pass the bill. 

STEP 7 – 2ND READING
The bill is read again.  Amendments can be introduced and voted on.   Then the bill is voted on.

STEP 8 – 3RD READING AND PASSAGE
Bill is read again and discussed.  Any amendments are filed and voted on (require 2/3 majority vote at this point). The bill is then voted on in the full chamber.  

STEP 9 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
Bill that passes 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber and follows the same process.

STEP 10 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (SKIP TO STEP 13 IF UNAMENDED)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval.  If it does not approve, a conference committee is called. 

STEP 11 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
If unapproved, a conference committee works out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and includes their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 12 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report. 

STEP 13 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
If both chambers agree on the same version of the bill, it is sent to the Governor for signing. 

STEP 14 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signs the bill into law, vetoes it or takes no action.  If no action is taken, the bill becomes law.    

STEP 15 – VETO OVERRIDE
If bill is vetoed, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law. 

Iowa

Official: Bill Process

STEP 1 – DRAFTING
Legislator sends idea to Legal Services Division of Legislative Services Agency to draft the bill.

STEP 2 – INTRODUCTION
Bill draft is filed in either the House or Senate and given a number.

STEP 3 – 1ST READING
Bill is read by title. 

STEP 4 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to a committee by the leader of the House or Senate.

STEP 5 – REFERRED TO SUBCOMMITTEE
The committee sends the bill to a subcommittee, which discusses the bill and makes a recommendation to the full committee. 

STEP 6 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is done on bill. 

STEP 7 – COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee votes on bill and reports it back to the chamber.  It can either vote to pass the bill, pass as amended, refer the bill to another committee, postpone it indefinitely or no recommendation. 

STEP 7 – 2ND READING
The bill is read again.  Amendments can be introduced and voted on.  

STEP 8 – 3RD READING AND PASSAGE
Bill is read by title again and discussed.  The bill is then voted on in the full chamber. 

STEP 9 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
Bill that passes 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber and follows the same process.

STEP 10 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (SKIP TO STEP 15 IF UNAMENDED)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval.  If it does not approve, a conference committee is called. 

STEP 11 – IF NOT APPROVED – SENT BACK TO 2ND CHAMBER TO RECEDE (IF APPROVED SKIP TO 15)
If amendments not approved by 1st chamber, it goes back to 2nd chamber to see if they will recede or remove their amendments. 

STEP 12 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE (IF RECEDED SKIP TO 15)
If the 2nd chamber does not recede from their amendments, a conference committee works out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and includes their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 13 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report.  If not approved, a 2nd committee may be called where the process is repeated.

STEP 14 – ENROLLED
After passing both chambers, the bill is enrolled, or finalized, with all amendments added.

STEP 15 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
If both chambers agree on the same version of the bill, it is sent to the Governor for signing. 

STEP 16 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signs the bill into law, vetoes it or takes no action.  If no action is taken and legislature is in session, the bill becomes law.  If bill is sent within last 3 days of legislative session and no action is taken, the bill dies. 

STEP 17 – VETO OVERRIDE
If bill is vetoed, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law. 

 

Kansas

Official: Bill Process

STEP 1 – DRAFTING
Legislator or committee drafts the bill.

STEP 2 – INTRODUCTION
Bill draft is filed in either the House or Senate.

STEP 3 – 1ST READING
Bill is read by title. 

STEP 4 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to a committee.  Every bill is required to be sent to a committee. 

STEP 5 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is done on bill.  Amendments can be filed and approved. 

STEP 6 – COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee votes on bill and reports it back to the chamber.  It can either vote favorably, unfavorably, no recommendation, or favorably with amendments. 

STEP 7 REFERRED TO NEXT COMMITTEE (SKIP IF NONE)
The bill can then go to another committee where is repeats the process. 

STEP 8 – 2ND READING
The bill is read again.  Amendments can be introduced and voted on.  

STEP 9 – COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Bill can be sent to the Committee of the Whole (committee of whole House or Senate) which it is debated and amendments can be filed and added. 

STEP 10 – 3RD READING AND PASSAGE
Bill is read again and discussed.  The bill is then voted on in the full chamber. 

STEP 11 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
Bill that passes 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber and follows the same process.

STEP 12 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (SKIP TO STEP 15 IF UNAMENDED)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval.  If it does not approve, a conference committee is called. 

STEP 13 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE (IF RECEDED SKIP TO 15)
If the 2nd chamber does not recede from their amendments, a conference committee works out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and includes their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 14 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report.  If not approved, a 2nd committee may be called where the process is repeated.

STEP 15 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
If both chambers agree on the same version of the bill, it is sent to the Governor for signing. 

STEP 16 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signs the bill into law, vetoes it or takes no action.  If no action is taken and legislature is in session, the bill becomes law. 

STEP 17 – VETO OVERRIDE
If bill is vetoed, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law. 

Kentucky

Official: Bill Process

STEP 1 – DRAFTING
Legislator submits a bill draft request and drafts the bill.

STEP 2 – INTRODUCTION
Bill draft is filed in either the House or Senate.

STEP 3 – TITLE READING
Bill is read by title (not considered 1st reading).   

STEP 4 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to a committee. 

STEP 5 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is done on bill.  Amendments can be filed and approved. 

STEP 6 – COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee votes on bill and reports it back to the chamber.  It can either vote favorably, favorable with amendments, favorable with committee substitute, unfavorable, or without opinion.   The committee can also not take action on the bill and let it die.

STEP 7 REFERRED TO NEXT COMMITTEE (SKIP IF NONE)
The bill can then go to another committee where is repeats the process. 

STEP 8 – 1ST READING
Bill is given its first official reading.

STEP 9 - 2ND READING
The bill is read again by title only. 

STEP 10 – RULES COMMITTEE
Bill can be sent to the Rules committee that is responsible for placing on the calendar.    

STEP 11 – 3RD READING AND PASSAGE
Bill is read again by title and discussed.  Amendments may be introduced and approved.  The bill is then voted on in the full chamber. 

STEP 12 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
Bill that passes 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber and follows the same process.

STEP 13 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (SKIP TO STEP 17 IF UNAMENDED)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval.  If it does not approve, a conference committee is called. 

STEP 14 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
A conference committee works out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and includes their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 15 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report. 

STEP 16 – ENROLLMENT
If both chambers agree on the same version of the bill, it goes to enrollment where the bill is carefully read for any errors and finalized. 

STEP 17 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
After enrollment, it is sent to the Governor for signing. 

STEP 18 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signs the bill into law, vetoes it or takes no action.  If no action is taken, the bill becomes law. 

STEP 19 – VETO OVERRIDE
If bill is vetoed, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law. 

Louisiana

Official: Bill Process

STEP 1 – INTRODUCTION
Bill is filed in the House or Senate.

STEP 2 - 1st READING
Bill is read a first time.

STEP 3 – 2nd READING
Bill is read a 2nd time.  Amendments can be filed. 

STEP 4 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to a committee. 

STEP 5 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is done on bill.  Amendments can be filed and approved. 

STEP 6 – COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee votes on bill and reports it back to the chamber.  It can vote favorably, unfavorably, favorable with amendments, favorable with substitute or favorably with recommendation to send to another committee.

STEP 7 – 2nd COMMITTEE (Skip if none)
Bill can be sent to another committee to repeat the process.

STEP 8 – COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
Bill can be sent the committee of the whole (committee of entire Senate or House).

STEP 9 – 3RD READING
Bill is read again and discussed.  Amendments may be introduced and approved. 

STEP 10 – VOTE AND PASSAGE
The bill is then voted on in the full chamber. 

STEP 11 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
Bill that passes 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber and follows the same process.

STEP 12 – LEGISLATIVE BUREAU
Bill is sent to the Legislative Bureau for review.

STEP 13 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (SKIP TO STEP 17 IF UNAMENDED)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval.  If it does not approve, a conference committee is called. 

STEP 14 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
A conference committee works out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and includes their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 15 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report. 

STEP 16 – ENROLLMENT
Once the bill is passed by both chambers, it goes to either the Committee on Enrollment if House bill or the Senate and Governmental Affairs Committee to have all amendments added into it and finalize it.

STEP 17 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
After enrollment, it is sent to the Governor for signing. 

STEP 18 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signs the bill into law, vetoes it or takes no action.  If no action is taken, the bill becomes law. 

STEP 19 – VETO OVERRIDE
If bill is vetoed, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law. 

Maine

Official: Bill Process

STEP 1 – DRAFTING
Legislator requests a bill, and the Revisor's Office, Office of Policy and Legal Analysis, and Office of Fiscal and Program Review drafts the bill.

STEP 2 – INTRODUCTION
Bill draft is filed in either the House or Senate.

STEP 3 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to a joint committee by the originating chamber, and the 2nd chamber concurs. 

STEP 4 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is done on bill.  Amendments can be filed and approved. 

STEP 5 – COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee votes on bill and reports it back to the chamber.  It can either vote Ought to Pass, Ought to Pass as Amended, Ought to Pass in New Draft, Ought Not to Pass, Refer to Another Committee or with a divided report (when 2 or more options are favored) which lists what the majority report (option that had most votes) was and all minority reports (all other options with votes).  

STEP 6 – 1ST READING
Bill is given its first official reading.  Any committee amendments are voted on and adopted. 

STEP 7 - 2ND READING
The bill is read again.  Floor amendments may be introduced and passed.

STEP 8 – 3RD READING AND PASSAGE
Bill is read again and discussed.  The bill is then voted on in the full chamber. 

STEP 9 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
Bill that passes 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber and follows Steps 6-8.

STEP 10 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (SKIP TO STEP 13 IF UNAMENDED)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval.  If it does not approve, a conference committee is called. 

STEP 11 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
A conference committee works out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and includes their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 12 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report. 

STEP 13 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
The bill is sent to the Governor for signing. 

STEP 14 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signs the bill into law, vetoes it or takes no action.  If no action is taken and the legislature is in session, the bill becomes law.  If the legislature adjourned, the bill dies. 

STEP 15 – VETO OVERRIDE
If bill is vetoed, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law. 


 

Maryland

Official: Bill Process

STEP 1 – DRAFTING
Legislator requests a bill, and the Department of Legislative Services drafts the bill.

STEP 2 – INTRODUCTION
Bill draft is filed in either the House or Senate.

STEP 3 – 1ST READING
Bill is read by title and number only. 

STEP 4 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to a committee by the leader of the House or Senate.  Department of Legislative Services prepares a fiscal analysis of the bill.

STEP 5 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is done on bill.  Amendments can be filed and approved. 

STEP 6 – COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee votes on bill and reports it back to the chamber.  It can either vote favorable, favorable with amendment, unfavorable or no recommendation. 

STEP 7 - 2ND READING
The bill is read again in the full House or Senate.  Committee amendments are approved, and then the bill with amendments is voted on.  Floor amendments may be introduced and passed.

STEP 8 – ENGROSSMENT
The amendments are added to the bill, and it is reprinted.

STEP 9 – 3RD READING AND PASSAGE
Bill is read again and discussed.  The bill is then voted on in the full chamber. 

STEP 10 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
Bill that passes 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber and follows the same process.  The only difference is that amendments can be approved during 3rd reading.

STEP 11 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (SKIP TO STEP 15 IF UNAMENDED)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval.  If it does not approve, the 2nd chamber may be asked to withdraw its amendments, or a conference committee is called.  If withdrawn, skip to Step 15.

STEP 12 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
A conference committee works out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and includes their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 13 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report. 

STEP 14 – ENROLLMENT
Approved amendments are added to the bill, and it is reprinted and finalized.

STEP 15 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
The bill is sent to the Governor for signing. 

STEP 16 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signs the bill into law, vetoes it or takes no action.  If no action is taken, the bill becomes law. 

STEP 17 – VETO OVERRIDE
If bill is vetoed, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law. 


 

Massachusetts

Official: Bill Process

 STEP 1 – DRAFTING
Legislator drafts the bill.

STEP 2 – INTRODUCTION
Bill draft is filed in either the House or Senate.

STEP 3 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to a joint committee by the leader of the House or Senate. 

STEP 4 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is done on bill.  Amendments can be filed and approved. 

STEP 5 – EXECUTIVE SESSION
The committee has an executive session to discuss the bill. 

STEP 6 – COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee votes on bill during executive session and reports it back to the chamber.  It can either pass the bill as Ought to Pass, Ought to Pass with amendment, add it with other bills and create a new bill number, add it with other bills into a new study order, refer it to another committee, or vote Ought Not to Pass.  If amended, a new draft with new number is usually passed. All bills must be reported from committee.

STEP 7 – SPECIAL COMMITTEE
Bills are often sent to the Committee on Steering and Policy or Ways and Means Committee next where it again will have a hearing and be acted on. 

STEP 8 – 1ST READING
Bill is read by title and number along with the committee report. 

STEP 9 - 2ND READING
The bill is read by title again in the full House or Senate.  Floor amendments may be introduced and passed.

STEP 10 – 3RD READING AND PASSAGE
Bill is read again and discussed.  The bill is then voted on in the full chamber. 

STEP 11 – ENGROSSMENT
The amendments are added to the bill, and it is reprinted.

STEP 12 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
Bill that passes 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber and follows the same process.  The only difference is that amendments can be approved during 3rd reading.

STEP 13 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (SKIP TO STEP 17 IF UNAMENDED)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval.  If it does not approve, a conference committee is called. 

STEP 14 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
A conference committee works out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and includes their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 15 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report. 

STEP 16 – ENACTMENT
Approved amendments are added to the bill, and it is printed and finalized.

STEP 17 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
The bill is sent to the Governor for signing. 

STEP 18 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signs the bill into law, vetoes it or takes no action.  If no action is taken and the legislature is in session, the bill becomes law.  If the legislature is adjourned, the bill dies.

STEP 19 – VETO OVERRIDE
If bill is vetoed, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law. 

Michigan

Official: Bill Process

STEP 1 – DRAFTING
Legislator comes up with idea and drafts the bill with legislative staff.

STEP 2 – INTRODUCTION
Bill draft is filed in either the House or Senate.

STEP 3 – 1ST READING
Bill is read by title and number. 

STEP 4 - 2ND READING (Senate Only)
The bill is read by title again in the full Senate. 

STEP 5 – BILL PRINTING
The bill is printed out.

STEP 6 - REFERRED TO APPROPRIATION COMMITTEE
Bills with appropriations must go to the Appropriations Committee, whether it is sent there first or after other committee(s).  It again will have a hearing and be acted on. 

STEP 7 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to a committee by the leader of the House or Senate. 

STEP 8 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is done on bill.  Amendments can be filed and approved. 

STEP 9 – COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee votes on bill and either reports it back to the chamber or to the next committee.  It can either take no action on the bill, report as favorable, report as favorable with amendment or substitute or report it with recommendation to refer to another committee.

STEP 10 – REFERRED TO SECOND COMMITTEE (Required for most bills in House)
Bills are referred to another committee.  It again will have a hearing and be acted on. 

STEP 11 – 2ND READING (House Only)
The bill is read again by title only in the House.  Amendments may be introduced and adopted.

STEP 12 – COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (Senate Only)
The bill goes to the Committee of the Whole, or a committee of the entire Senate.  Amendments may be introduced and adopted.

STEP 13 – 3RD READING AND PASSAGE
Bill is read in full and discussed.  Amendments may again be introduced and adopted.  The bill is then voted on in the full chamber. 

STEP 14 – RECONSIDERATION
The chamber may reconsider its vote on the bill.

STEP 15 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
Bill that passes 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber and follows the same process. 

STEP 16 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (SKIP TO STEP 20 IF UNAMENDED)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval.  If it does not approve, a conference committee is called. 

STEP 17 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
A conference committee works out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and includes their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 18 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report.

STEP 19 – IF NOT APPROVED, 2ND CONFERENCE COMMITTEE MAY BE CALLED
If the House or Senate do not approve the report, another conference committee may be called, which follows Steps 17-18. 

STEP 20 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
The bill is sent to the Governor for signing. 

STEP 21 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signs the bill into law, vetoes it or takes no action.  If no action is taken and the legislature is in session, the bill becomes law.  If the legislature is adjourned, the bill dies.

STEP 22 – VETO OVERRIDE
If bill is vetoed, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law. 

Minnesota

Official: Bill Process

STEP 1 – DRAFTING
Legislator requests a bill, and the Office of the Revisor of Statutes drafts the bill.

STEP 2 – INTRODUCTION
Legislator must file bill draft in either the House or Senate.

STEP 3 – 1ST READING
Bill is read by title and number only. 

STEP 4 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to a committee by the leader of the House or Senate. 

STEP 5 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is done on bill.  Amendments can be filed and approved. 

STEP 6 – COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee votes on bill and reports it back to the chamber.  It can either recommend approval or disapproval.

STEP 7 - 2ND READING
The bill is read again in the full House or Senate. 

STEP 8 – CALENDAR ORDER FOR THE DAY (House Only)
Bill is placed on the Calendar Order for the Day.  Amendments can be introduced and adopted.

STEP 9 – COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (Senate Only)
Bill is heard in the Committee of the Whole, or a committee of the entire Senate.  Amendments can be introduced and adopted.  Then the committee votes whether to pass the bill, delay action, request further committee action or not to pass the bill. 

STEP 10 – 3RD READING AND PASSAGE
Bill is read again and discussed.  The bill is then voted on in the full chamber. 

STEP 11 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
Bill that passes 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber and follows the same process. 

STEP 12 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (SKIP TO STEP 16 IF UNAMENDED)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval.  If it does not approve, a conference committee is called. 

STEP 13 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
A conference committee works out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and includes their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 14 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report. 

STEP 15 – BACK TO CONFERENCE COMMITTEE (Skip if Report Approved)
If either chamber disagrees with the report, it goes back to the conference committee for further consideration.

STEP 16 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
The bill is sent to the Governor for signing. 

STEP 17 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signs the bill into law, vetoes it or takes no action.  If no action is taken, the bill becomes law.  If a bill passes in the last 3 days of session and is not signed, it is pocket vetoed and dies.

STEP 18 – VETO OVERRIDE
If bill is vetoed and legislature is in session, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law. 


 

Mississippi

Official: Bill Process

STEP 1 – DRAFTING
Bill is drafted.

STEP 2 – INTRODUCTION
Bill draft is filed in either the House or Senate.

STEP 3 – 1ST READING
Bill is read by title and number only. 

STEP 4 - 2ND READING
The bill is read again in the full House or Senate. 

STEP 5 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to a committee. 

STEP 6 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is done on bill. 

STEP 7 – COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee votes on bill and reports it back to the chamber. 

STEP 8 – 3RD READING AND PASSAGE
Bill is read again and discussed.  Amendments may be introduced and adopted.  The bill is then voted on in the full chamber. 

STEP 9 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
Bill that passes 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber and follows the same process. 

STEP 10 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (SKIP TO STEP 14 IF UNAMENDED)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval.  If it does not approve, a conference committee is called. 

STEP 11 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
A conference committee works out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and includes their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 12 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report. 

STEP 13 – ENROLLMENT
Approved amendments are added to the bill, and it is printed and finalized.

STEP 14 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
The bill is sent to the Governor for signing. 

STEP 15 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signs the bill into law, vetoes it or takes no action.  If no action is taken, the bill becomes law. 

STEP 16 – VETO OVERRIDE
If bill is vetoed and legislature is in session, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law. 

Missouri

Official:

Simple Bill Process
Advanced Bill Process

STEP 1 – DRAFTING
Bill is drafted by a legislator or the Committee on Legislative Research.

STEP 2 – INTRODUCTION
Bill draft is filed in either the House or Senate.

STEP 3 – 1ST READING
Bill is read by title and number only. 

STEP 4 - 2ND READING
The bill is read again in the full House or Senate. 

STEP 5 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to a committee. 

STEP 6 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is done on bill. 

STEP 7 – COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee votes on bill and reports it back to the chamber.  It can vote either Do Pass, Recommend passage with amendments, Recommend passage with substitute, No Recommendation, Do Not Pass, or make no report.

STEP 8 – PERFECTION
Bill is placed on Perfection Calendar and is debated in the full House or Senate.  Committee substitutes and amendments are voted on.  The full House or Senate can introduce and adopt amendments.  Then the bill is voted to be determined perfected.

STEP 9 – REPRINT
Bill is reprinted with any amendments. 

STEP 10 – 3RD READING AND PASSAGE
Bill is read again and discussed.  Amendments may be introduced and adopted.  The bill is then voted on in the full chamber. 

STEP 11 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
Bill that passes 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber and follows the same process. 

STEP 12 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (SKIP TO STEP 17 IF UNAMENDED)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval.  If it does not approve, a conference committee is called. 

STEP 13 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
A conference committee works out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and includes their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 14 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report. 

STEP 15 – IF UNAPPROVED, RETURN TO CONFERENCE COMMITTEE (Skip if approved)
If either chamber rejects the report, it is returned to the same or a new conference committee. 

STEP 16 – ENROLLMENT
The bill is printed and finalized.

STEP 17 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
The bill is sent to the Governor for signing. 

STEP 18 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signs the bill into law, vetoes it or takes no action.  If no action is taken, the bill becomes law. 

STEP 19 – VETO OVERRIDE
If bill is vetoed, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law. 

Montana

Official: Bill Process

STEP 1 – DRAFTING
Bill is drafted by the legislative staff.

STEP 2 – INTRODUCTION
Bill draft is filed in either the House or Senate.

STEP 3 – 1ST READING
Bill is read by title. 

STEP 4 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to a committee. 

STEP 5 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is done on bill. 

STEP 6 – COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee votes on bill and reports it back to the chamber.  It can vote favorably, unfavorably, amend the bill or table it. 

STEP 7 – COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE (SKIP if none)
Bills on 2nd reading may go to the Committee of the Whole, or a committee of the entire House or Senate.  Bill is debated.  Amendments can be introduced and adopted. 

STEP 8 - 2ND READING (IF NO STEP 7)
The bill is read again by title in the full House or Senate. 

STEP 9 – ENGROSSMENT
The bill is reprinted with all adopted amendments and changes.

STEP 10 – 3RD READING AND PASSAGE
Bill is read again.  The bill is then voted on in the full chamber. 

STEP 11 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
Bill that passes 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber and follows the same process. 

STEP 12 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (SKIP TO STEP 16 IF UNAMENDED)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval.  If it does not approve, a conference committee is called. 

STEP 13 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
A conference committee works out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and includes their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 14 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report. 

STEP 15 – ENROLLMENT
The bill is printed and finalized.

STEP 16 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
The bill is sent to the Governor for signing. 

STEP 17 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signs the bill into law, vetoes it, recommend amendments or takes no action.  If no action is taken, the bill becomes law. 

STEP 18 – VETO OVERRIDE
If bill is vetoed, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law. 

Nebraska

Official: Bill Process

STEP 1 – DRAFTING
Bill is drafted.

STEP 2 – INTRODUCTION
Bill draft is filed.

STEP 3 – 1ST READING
Bill is read by title. 

STEP 4 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to a committee. 

STEP 5 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is required on bill. 

STEP 6 – COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee votes on bill and reports it back to the chamber.  It can vote to send it with or without amendments, indefinitely postpone it or take no action.  

STEP 7 – GENERAL FILE
Bill is placed on the General File.  Committee amendments are adopted.  New amendments may be filed and adopted.  Then the legislature votes to move the bill to the next stage.

STEP 8 – ENROLLMENT & REVIEW
Bill is sent to enrollment & review where amendments are added to it and it is checked for accuracy. 

STEP 9 – SELECT FILE
The bill is sent to Select File.  The bill may again be discussed and amended.    

STEP 10 – ENROLLMENT & REVIEW
Bill is again sent to enrollment & review to have amendments added and to check for accuracy.  It is then reprinted.

STEP 11 – 3RD READING
Bill is read again, this time in its entirety unless waived.

STEP 12 – RETURNED TO SELECT FILE OR STEP 9 (SKIP IF NOT APPLICABLE)
 If there is disagreement on a specific amendment, it may be returned to Select File to discuss it. 

STEP 13 – FINAL PASSAGE
The bill is then voted on in the full chamber. 

STEP 14 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
The bill is sent to the Governor for signing. 

STEP 15 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signs the bill into law, vetoes it, recommend amendments or takes no action.  If no action is taken, the bill becomes law. 

STEP 16 – VETO OVERRIDE
If bill is vetoed, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law. 

Nevada

Official: Bill Process

STEP 1 – DRAFTING
Bill is drafted by the legislative staff attorney.

STEP 2 – INTRODUCTION
Bill draft is filed in either the House or Senate.

STEP 3 – 1ST READING
Bill is read. 

STEP 4 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to a committee. 

STEP 5 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is done on bill. 

STEP 6 – COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee votes on bill and reports it back to the chamber.  It can vote Do Pass, Amend and Do Pass or indefinitely postpone.  It can also recommend it be returned to the committee or another committee.  

STEP 8 - 2ND READING
The bill is read again in the full House or Senate. 

STEP 9 – 3RD READING AND PASSAGE
Bill is read again.  The bill is then voted on in the full chamber. 

STEP 10 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
Bill that passes 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber and follows the same process. 

STEP 11 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (SKIP TO STEP 15 IF UNAMENDED)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval.

STEP 12 – IF NOT APPROVED, GOES BACK TO 2nd CHAMBER TO WITHDRAW CHANGES
If the 1st chamber does not approve of the changes, it goes back to the 2nd chamber to see if it will withdraw its amendments.  If it does not, a conference committee is called. 

STEP 13 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
A conference committee works out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and includes their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 14 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report. 

STEP 15 – ENROLLMENT
The bill is printed and finalized.

STEP 16 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
The bill is sent to the Governor for signing. 

STEP 17 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signs the bill into law, vetoes it, or takes no action.  If no action is taken, the bill becomes law. 

STEP 18 – VETO OVERRIDE
If bill is vetoed, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law.  If legislature is adjourned, it is sent to the next legislative session.

 

New Hampshire

Official: Bill Process

STEP 1 – DRAFTING
Bill is drafted by Legislative Services.

STEP 2 – INTRODUCTION
Bill draft is filed in either the House or Senate.

STEP 3 – 1ST READING
Bill is read. 

STEP 4 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to a committee. 

STEP 5 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is required to be done on bill unless suspended. 

STEP 6 – COMMITTEE EXECUTIVE SESSION
Committee holds executive session to discuss the bill.  It then votes on the bill and reports it back to the chamber.  It can vote Ought to Pass, Ought to Pass as Amended, Inexpedient to Legislate, Refer to Interim Study (2nd year only) or Re-refer to Committee (1st year only). 

STEP 7 - 2ND READING
The bill is read again in the full House or Senate.  Amendments may be introduced and adopted. 

STEP 8 – 3RD READING AND PASSAGE
Bill is read again.  The bill is then voted on in the full chamber.  If the committee Inexpedient to Legislate or a chamber motion to Postpone Indefinitely is adopted, the bill is killed. 

STEP 9 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
Bill that passes 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber and follows the same process. 

STEP 10 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (SKIP TO STEP 14 IF UNAMENDED)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval. If it does not, a conference committee may be called.  The 1st chamber may also decide not to have a conference committee, killing the bill.    

STEP 11 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
A conference committee works out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and includes their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 12 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report. 

STEP 13 – ENROLLMENT
The bill is printed and finalized.

STEP 14 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
The bill is sent to the Governor for signing. 

STEP 15 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signs the bill into law, vetoes it, or takes no action.  If no action is taken, the bill becomes law. 

STEP 16 – VETO OVERRIDE
If bill is vetoed, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden and legislature is in session, it becomes law.  If legislature is adjourned, it dies. 


 

New Jersey

Official: Bill Process

STEP 1 – DRAFTING
Bill is drafted by Office of Legislative Services.

STEP 2 – INTRODUCTION
Bill draft is filed in either the House or Senate.

STEP 3 – 1ST READING
Bill is read by title only. 

STEP 4 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE (MAY BE BYPASSED, IF SO, SKIP TO STEP 7)
Bill is sent to a committee. 

STEP 5 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing may be scheduled on bill. 

STEP 6 – COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee votes on the bill and reports it back to the chamber.  It can vote to pass the bill as is, pass with amendments or pass with a substitute.  It may also take no action. 

STEP 7 - 2ND READING
The bill is read again by title in the full House or Senate.  Amendments may be introduced and adopted.

STEP 8 – 3RD READING AND PASSAGE
Bill is read again and debated.  The bill is then voted on in the full chamber. 

STEP 9 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
Bill that passes 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber and follows the same process. 

STEP 10 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (SKIP TO STEP 13 IF UNAMENDED)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval. If it does not, a conference committee is called. 

STEP 11 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
A conference committee works out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and includes their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 12 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report. 

STEP 13 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
The bill is sent to the Governor for signing. 

STEP 14 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signs the bill into law, conditionally vetoes it requesting changes, absolutely vetoes it or takes no action.  If no action is taken, the bill becomes law. 

STEP 15 – VETO OVERRIDE
If bill is vetoed, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law. 

 

New Mexico

Official: Bill Process

STEP 1 – DRAFTING
Bill is drafted.

STEP 2 – INTRODUCTION
Bill draft is filed in either the House or Senate.

STEP 3 – 1ST READING
Bill is read by title only. 

STEP 4 - 2ND READING
The bill is read again by title in the full House or Senate.

STEP 5 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to a committee. 

STEP 6 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is required to be done on bill unless suspended. 

STEP 7 – COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee votes on the bill and reports it back to the chamber.  It can vote Do Pass, Do Pass as Amended, Do Not Pass, Without Recommendation, or Without Recommendation with Amendment.  It can also table the bill.   

STEP 8 – 3RD READING AND PASSAGE
Bill is read again and debated.  The bill is then voted on in the full chamber. 

STEP 9 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
Bill that passes 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber and follows the same process. 

STEP 10 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (SKIP TO STEP 14 IF UNAMENDED)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval. If it does not, a conference committee is called. 

STEP 11 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
A conference committee works out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and includes their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 12 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report. 

STEP 13 – ENROLLMENT AND ENGROSSMENT
The bill is printed and finalized.

STEP 14 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
The bill is sent to the Governor for signing. 

STEP 15 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signs the bill into law, vetoes it, or takes no action.  If no action is taken, the bill becomes law. 

STEP 16 – VETO OVERRIDE
If bill is vetoed, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law. 

New York

Official: Bill Process

STEP 1 – DRAFTING
Bill is usually drafted by Legislative Bill Drafting Commission.

STEP 2 – INTRODUCTION
Bill draft is filed by legislator or committee in either the House or Senate.

STEP 3 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to a committee. 

STEP 4 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is done on bill. 

STEP 5 – COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee votes on the bill and reports it back to the chamber.  It can vote to pass the bill, amend it, or reject it.

STEP 6 – 1ST READING
Bill is read. 

STEP 7 - 2ND READING
The bill is read again in the full House or Senate.

STEP 8 – 3RD READING AND PASSAGE
Bill is read again and debated.  The bill is then voted on in the full chamber. 

STEP 9 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
Bill that passes 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber and follows the same process. 

STEP 10 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (SKIP TO STEP 13 IF UNAMENDED)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval. If it does not, a conference committee is called. 

STEP 11 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
A conference committee works out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and includes their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 12 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report. 

STEP 13 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
The bill is sent to the Governor for signing. 

STEP 14 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signs the bill into law, vetoes it, or takes no action.  If no action is taken and legislature is in session, the bill becomes law.  If the legislature is adjourned and no action is taken, it is pocket vetoed.

STEP 15 – VETO OVERRIDE
If bill is vetoed and legislature is in session, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law. 

North Carolina

Official: Bill Process

STEP 1 – DRAFTING
Bill is drafted.

STEP 2 – INTRODUCTION
Bill draft is filed in either the House or Senate.

STEP 3 – 1ST READING
Bill is read. 

STEP 4 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to a committee. 

STEP 5 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is done on bill. 

STEP 6 – COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee votes on the bill and reports it back to the chamber.  It can vote Favorable, Favorable as Amended, Unfavorable as to Bill & Favorable as to Committee Substitute, or Postponed Indefinitely.

STEP 7 - 2ND READING
The bill is read again in the full House or Senate. Amendments can be introduced and adopted.

STEP 8 – 3RD READING AND PASSAGE
Bill is read again and debated.  Amendments can be introduced and adopted.  The bill is then voted on in the full chamber. 

STEP 9 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
Bill that passes 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber and follows the same process. 

STEP 10 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (SKIP TO STEP 13 IF UNAMENDED)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval. If it does not, a conference committee is called. 

STEP 11 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
A conference committee works out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and includes their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 12 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report. 

STEP 13 – ENROLLMENT
The bill is printed and finalized.  

STEP 14 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
The bill is sent to the Governor for signing. 

STEP 15 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signs the bill into law, vetoes it, or takes no action.  If no action is taken, the bill becomes law. 

STEP 16 – VETO OVERRIDE
If bill is vetoed, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law. 

North Dakota

Official: Bill Process

STEP 1 – DRAFTING
Bill is drafted by the Legislative Council.

STEP 2 – INTRODUCTION
Bill draft is filed in either the House or Senate.

STEP 3 – 1ST READING
Bill is read. 

STEP 4 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to a committee. 

STEP 5 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is done on bill. 

STEP 6 – COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee votes on the bill and reports it back to the chamber.  It can vote Favorably with or Without Amendments, Unfavorably With or Without Amendments, Without Any Recommendation or Rereferred to Another Committee.

STEP 7 – AMENDMENTS ADOPTED
Amendments to the bill are adopted. 

STEP 8 – FLOOR DEBATE
Bill is debated by the entire House or Senate. 

STEP 9 – 2ND READING AND PASSAGE
The bill is read again and then voted on in the full chamber. 

STEP 10 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
Bill that passes 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber and follows the same process. 

STEP 11 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (SKIP TO STEP 14 IF UNAMENDED)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval. If it does not, a conference committee is called. 

STEP 12 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
A conference committee works out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and includes their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 13 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report. 

STEP 14 – ENROLLMENT
The bill is printed and finalized. 

STEP 15 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
The bill is sent to the Governor for signing. 

STEP 16 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signs the bill into law, vetoes it, or takes no action.  If no action is taken, the bill becomes law. 

STEP 17 – VETO OVERRIDE
If bill is vetoed, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law. 

STEP 18 – VOTERS’ REFERRAL
25 voters may put a bill on the ballot to reject it.  If a majority votes to reject it, the bill dies.  

 

Ohio

Official: Bill Process

STEP 1 – DRAFTING
Bill is drafted by Legislative Service Commission.

STEP 2 – INTRODUCTION
Bill draft is filed in either the House or Senate.

STEP 3 – 1ST READING
Bill is read by title only. 

STEP 4 – RULES AND REFERENCE COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to Rules and Reference Committee to determine which committee it will go to.

STEP 5 - 2ND READING
The bill has a 2nd reading in the full House or Senate when it accepts the Rules and Reference Report of where the bill should go.

STEP 6 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to a committee. 

STEP 7 – REFERRED TO SUBCOMMITTEE (SKIP IF NONE)
Bill can be sent by a committee to a subcommittee, which will have hearings, make a recommendation on it and send it back to committee. 

STEP 8 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is done on bill.  Usually, a committee will hold a sponsor hearing, proponent hearing and opponent hearing. 

STEP 9 – COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee votes on the bill and reports it back to the chamber.  It can pass it as is, pass it as amended bill, pass it as a substitute bill, combine 2 or more bills into an amended or substitute bill, indefinitely postpone it, or take no action. 

STEP 10 – RULES AND REFERENCE COMMITTEE
Bill is sent back to Rules and Reference Committee where it can either be referred to another committee or scheduled for floor debate and a vote.

STEP 11 – 3RD READING AND PASSAGE
The bill is read again, debated and then voted on in the full chamber. 

STEP 12 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
Bill that passes 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber and follows the same process. 

STEP 13 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (SKIP TO STEP 16 IF UNAMENDED)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval. If it does not, a conference committee is called. 

STEP 14 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
A conference committee works out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and includes their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 15 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report. 

STEP 16 – ENROLLMENT
The bill is printed and finalized. 

STEP 17 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
The bill is sent to the Governor for signing. 

STEP 18 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signs the bill into law, vetoes it, or takes no action.  If no action is taken, the bill becomes law. 

STEP 19 – VETO OVERRIDE
If bill is vetoed, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law. 

Oklahoma

Official: Bill Process

STEP 1 – DRAFTING
Bill is drafted.

STEP 2 – INTRODUCTION
Bill draft is filed in either the House or Senate.

STEP 3 – 1ST READING
Bill is read. 

STEP 4 - 2ND READING
The bill is read again in the full House or Senate.

STEP 5 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to a committee. 

STEP 6 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is done on bill.  

STEP 7 – COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee votes on the bill and reports it back to the chamber.  It can vote Do Pass, Do Pass as Amended, or Do Not Pass. A Do Not Pass vote kills the bill.  The committee can also take no action.

STEP 8 – GENERAL ORDER CALENDAR
Bill is placed on General Order calendar where it can be scheduled. 

STEP 9 – 3RD READING AND PASSAGE
The bill is read again, debated, and amendments can be introduced and adopted.  It is then voted on in the full chamber. 

STEP 10 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
Bill that passes 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber and follows the same process. 

STEP 11 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (SKIP TO STEP 16 IF UNAMENDED)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval. If it does not, a conference committee is called. 

STEP 12 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
A conference committee works out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and includes their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 13 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report. 

STEP 14 – ENROLLMENT
The bill is printed and finalized. 

STEP 15 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
The bill is sent to the Governor for signing. 

STEP 16 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signs the bill into law, vetoes it, or takes no action.  If no action is taken while the legislature is in session, the bill becomes law.  If no action is taken while the legislature is adjourned, it does not become law (pocket veto). 

STEP 17 – VETO OVERRIDE
If bill is vetoed, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law. 

Oregon

Official: Bill Process

STEP 1 – DRAFTING
Bill is drafted by the Legislative Council.

STEP 2 – INTRODUCTION
Bill draft is filed in either the House or Senate.

STEP 3 – 1ST READING
Bill is read. 

STEP 4 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to a committee. 

STEP 5 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is done on bill.  

STEP 6 – COMMITTEE WORK SESSION AND ACTION
Committee holds a work session and votes on the bill and reports it back to the chamber.  It can vote Pass, Pass with Amendments, or Do Not Pass.

STEP 7 – ENGROSSMENT
If bill has amendments, the bill can be engrossed, or reprinted with them added to the bill. 

STEP 8 - 2ND READING
The bill is read again in the full House or Senate.

STEP 9 – 3RD READING AND PASSAGE
The bill is read again and debated.  It is then voted on in the full chamber. 

STEP 10 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
Bill that passes 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber and follows the same process. 

STEP 11 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (SKIP TO STEP 14 IF UNAMENDED)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval. If it does not, a conference committee is called. 

STEP 12 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
A conference committee works out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and includes their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 13 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report. 

STEP 14 – ENROLLMENT
The bill is printed and finalized. 

STEP 15 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
The bill is sent to the Governor for signing. 

STEP 16 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signs the bill into law, vetoes it, or takes no action.  If no action is taken while the legislature is in session, the bill becomes law.  If no action is taken while the legislature is adjourned, it does not become law (pocket veto). 

STEP 17 – VETO OVERRIDE
If bill is vetoed, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law. 

Pennsylvania

Official: Bill Process

STEP 1 – DRAFTING
Bill is drafted by the Legislative Reference Bureau.

STEP 2 – INTRODUCTION
Bill draft is filed in either the House or Senate.

STEP 3 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to a committee. 

STEP 4 – REFERRED TO SUBCOMMITTEE (OPTIONAL)
Bill can be referred by the committee to a subcommittee, where it will be heard and given a recommendation.

STEP 5 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is done on bill.  

STEP 6 – COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee votes on the bill and reports it back to the chamber.  It can vote to table it, amend it, defeat it or accept it. 

STEP 7 – CAUCUS ROOM
The bill is sent to the Caucus Room where each political party discusses it.

STEP 8 – 1ST READING
Bill is read by number and title. 

STEP 9 - 2ND READING
The bill is read again by number and title in the full House or Senate.  Amendments may be introduced and adopted.

STEP 10 – 3RD READING AND PASSAGE
The bill is read again and debated.  It is then voted on in the full chamber. 

STEP 11 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
Bill that passes 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber and follows the same process. 

STEP 12 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (SKIP TO STEP 15 IF UNAMENDED)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval. If it does not, a conference committee is called. 

STEP 13 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
A conference committee works out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and includes their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 14 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report. 

STEP 15 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
The bill is sent to the Governor for signing. 

STEP 16 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signs the bill into law, vetoes it, or takes no action.  If no action is taken, the bill becomes law. 

STEP 17 – VETO OVERRIDE
If bill is vetoed, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law. 


 

Rhode Island

Official: Bill Process

STEP 1 – DRAFTING
Bill is drafted.

STEP 2 – INTRODUCTION
Bill draft is filed in either the House or Senate.

STEP 3 – 1ST READING
Bill is considered to have a 1st reading when it is introduced. 

STEP 4 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to a committee. 

STEP 5 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is done on bill.  

STEP 6 – COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee votes on the bill and reports it back to the chamber.  It can make the following recommendations: passage as introduced, passage with amendments, passage of a substitute, no passage, reference to another committee, or indefinite postponement.  It can also report it with no recommendation or hold it for further study.

STEP 7 - 2ND READING
The bill is considered to have a 2nd reading when it is placed on the House or Senate calendar.

STEP 8 – PASSAGE
The bill is debated.  It is then voted on in the full chamber. 

STEP 9 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
Bill that passes 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber and follows the same process. 

STEP 10 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (SKIP TO STEP 13 IF UNAMENDED)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval where it will go to a committee to approve it first before the full chamber votes on it. If it does not approve, a conference committee is called. 

STEP 11 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
A conference committee works out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and includes their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 12 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report. 

STEP 13 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
The bill is sent to the Governor for signing. 

STEP 14 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signs the bill into law, vetoes it, or takes no action.  If no action is taken, the bill becomes law. 

STEP 15 – VETO OVERRIDE
If bill is vetoed, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law. 



 

South Carolina

Official:

Simple Bill Process

Advanced Bill Process

STEP 1 – DRAFTING
Bill is drafted by the Legislative Council attorney.

STEP 2 – INTRODUCTION
Bill draft is filed in either the House or Senate.

STEP 3 – 1ST READING
Bill is read. 

STEP 4 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to a committee. 

STEP 5 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is done on bill.  

STEP 6 – COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee votes on the bill and reports it back to the chamber.

STEP 7 - 2ND READING
The bill is read again and debated.  Amendments may be introduced and adopted.

STEP 8 – 3RD READING AND FINAL PASSAGE
The bill is read again.  It is then voted on in the full chamber. 

STEP 9 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
Bill that passes 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber and follows the same process. 

STEP 10 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (SKIP TO STEP 14 IF UNAMENDED)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval.

STEP 11 – 2ND CHAMBER EITHER INSISTS ON OR RECEDES FROM AMENDMENT
If the 1st chamber does not approve, it goes back to the 2nd chamber to see if they will insist on or recede from their amendments.  If they insist on their amendments, a conference committee is called.

STEP 12 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
A conference committee works out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and includes their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 13 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report. 

STEP 14 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
The bill is sent to the Governor for signing. 

STEP 15 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signs the bill into law, vetoes it, or takes no action.  If no action is taken, the bill becomes law. 

STEP 16 – VETO OVERRIDE
If bill is vetoed, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law. 

 

South Dakota

Official: Bill Process

STEP 1 – DRAFTING
Bill is drafted by the Legislative Research Council.

STEP 2 – INTRODUCTION
Bill draft is filed in either the House or Senate.

STEP 3 – 1ST READING
Bill is read by number and title only. 

STEP 4 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to a committee. 

STEP 5 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is done on bill.  

STEP 6 – COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee votes on the bill and reports it back to the chamber.   It can vote Do Pass, Do Pass as amended, Table it, or Defer it to after the last legislative day. 

STEP 7 – FINAL PASSAGE
The bill is debated.  It is then voted on in the full chamber. 

STEP 8 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
Bill that passes 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber and follows the same process. 

STEP 9 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (SKIP TO STEP 12 IF UNAMENDED)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval.  If it disapproves, it goes to conference committee. 

STEP 10 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
A conference committee works out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and includes their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 11 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report. 

STEP 12 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
The bill is sent to the Governor for signing. 

STEP 13 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signs the bill into law, vetoes it, or takes no action.  If no action is taken, the bill becomes law. 

STEP 14 – VETO OVERRIDE
If bill is vetoed, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law. 

 

Tennessee

Official: Bill Process

STEP 1 – DRAFTING
Bill is drafted.

STEP 2 – INTRODUCTION
Bill draft is filed in either the House or Senate.

STEP 3 – PASSED ON 1ST CONSIDERATION (READING)
Bill is read and passed on 1st consideration.   

STEP 4 – PASSED ON 2ND CONSIDERATION
The bill is read and passed on 2nd consideration.

STEP 5 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to a committee. 

STEP 6 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is done on bill.  

STEP 7 – COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee votes on the bill and reports it back to the chamber.

STEP 8 – HOUSE CALENDAR AND RULES COMMITTEE/SENATE RULES COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to the House Calendar and Rules Committee if in House or Senate Rules Committee if in Senate.  The House committee determines whether to schedule a bill on the calendar to be heard.  The Senate committee must schedule each bill. 

STEP 9 – CONSIDERATION ON 3RD READING
The bill is read again and debated.  Amendments can be introduced and adopted.  It is then voted on in the full chamber. 

STEP 10 – ENGROSSMENT
The bill is engrossed and has all amendments added to it and is checked for errors.

STEP 11 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
Bill that passes 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber and follows the same process. 

STEP 12 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (SKIP TO STEP 14 IF UNAMENDED)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval.

STEP 13 – IF UNAPPROVED, SENT BACK TO 2ND CHAMBER TO RECEDE FROM ITS AMENDMENTS
If a bill is not approved by the 1st chamber, it goes back to the 2nd chamber to see if they will recede, or remove, their amendments. If not, it goes to conference committee. 

STEP 14 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
A conference committee works out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and includes their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 15 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report. 

STEP 16 – ENROLLMENT
Bill is finalized. 

STEP 17 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
The bill is sent to the Governor for signing. 

STEP 18 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signs the bill into law, vetoes it, or takes no action.  If no action is taken, the bill becomes law. 

STEP 19 – VETO OVERRIDE
If bill is vetoed, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law. 



 

Texas

Official: Bill Process

STEP 1 – DRAFTING
Bill is drafted by legislator with assistance from Texas Legislative Council.

STEP 2 – INTRODUCTION
Bill draft is filed in either the House or Senate.

STEP 3 – 1ST READING
Bill is read by short description only.   

STEP 4 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to a committee. 

STEP 5 – REFERRED TO A SUBCOMMITTEE (OPTIONAL)
Bill can be referred by the committee to a subcommittee, which will hold a hearing and submit its recommendation on the bill.

STEP 6 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is done on bill in the full committee.  

STEP 7 – COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee votes on the bill and reports it back to the chamber.

STEP 8 – 2ND READING
The bill is read again by short description only.  Amendments can be introduced and adopted.

STEP 9 – 3RD READING AND FINAL PASSAGE
The bill is read again and debated.  Amendments can be introduced and adopted, but are harder to pass at this stage.  It is then voted on in the full chamber. 

STEP 10 – ENGROSSMENT
The bill is engrossed and has all amendments added to it and is checked for errors.

STEP 11 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
Bill that passes 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber and follows the same process. 

STEP 12 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (SKIP TO STEP 15 IF UNAMENDED)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval.  If not approved, it goes to conference committee. 

STEP 13 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
A conference committee works out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and includes their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 14 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report. 

STEP 15 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
The bill is sent to the Governor for signing. 

STEP 16 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signs the bill into law, vetoes it, or takes no action.  If no action is taken, the bill becomes law. 

STEP 17 – VETO OVERRIDE
If bill is vetoed, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law. 



 

Utah

Official: Bill Process

STEP 1 – BILL REQUEST
Bill request is sent to Legislative Research and General Council.

STEP 2 – DRAFTING
Bill is drafted by an attorney of the OLRGC.  It then goes to the legislator for approval.

STEP 3 – INTRODUCTION
Bill draft is filed in either the House or Senate.

STEP 4 – 1ST READING
Bill is read by number and short title only.   

STEP 5 – RULES COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to Rules Committee, which decides which committee to send it to.

STEP 6 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to a committee. 

STEP 7 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is done on bill.  

STEP 8 – COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee votes on the bill and reports it back to the chamber.  It can report it favorable, favorable with amendment, favorable with substitute, or with no recommendation.   It can also hold it or table it.

STEP 9 – 2ND READING
In House, committee report is read and adopted without amendments or debate.  In Senate, bill is debated, and amendments can be introduced and adopted.

STEP 10 – 3RD READING AND FINAL PASSAGE
The bill is read again by number and short title.  Amendments can be introduced and adopted.  It is then voted on in the full chamber. 

STEP 11 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
Bill that passes 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber and follows the same process. 

STEP 12 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (SKIP TO STEP 15 IF UNAMENDED)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval. 

STEP 13 – IF NOT APPROVED – SENT BACK TO 2ND CHAMBER TO RECEDE
If the 1st chamber does not approve the amendments, the bill goes back to the 2nd chamber.  That chamber is then asked to recede from, or remove, its amendments.  If it refuses, it goes to conference committee.  

STEP 14 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
A conference committee works out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and includes their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 15 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report. 

STEP 16 – ENROLLMENT
Bill is finalized. 

STEP 17 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
The bill is sent to the Governor for signing. 

STEP 18 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signs the bill into law, vetoes it, or takes no action.  If no action is taken, the bill becomes law. 

STEP 19 – VETO OVERRIDE
If bill is vetoed, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law. 

Vermont

Official: Bill Process

STEP 1 – DRAFTING
Bill is drafted.

STEP 2 – INTRODUCTION
Bill draft is filed in either the House or Senate.

STEP 3 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to a committee. 

STEP 4 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is done on bill.  

STEP 5 – COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee votes on the bill and reports it back to the chamber.

STEP 6 – 1ST READING
Bill is read.   

STEP 7 – 2ND READING
The bill is read again and debated.  Amendments can be introduced and adopted. 

STEP 8 – 3RD READING AND FINAL PASSAGE
The bill is read again by title.  It is then voted on in the full chamber. 

STEP 9 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
Bill that passes 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber and follows the same process. 

STEP 10 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (SKIP TO STEP 13 IF UNAMENDED)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval.  If not approved, it goes to conference committee. 

STEP 11 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
A conference committee works out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and includes their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 12 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report. 

STEP 13 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
The bill is sent to the Governor for signing. 

STEP 14 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signs the bill into law, vetoes it, or takes no action.  If no action is taken, the bill becomes law.

STEP 15 – VETO OVERRIDE
If bill is vetoed, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law. 



 

Virginia

Official: Bill Process

STEP 1 – DRAFTING
Bill is drafted.

STEP 2 – INTRODUCTION
Bill draft is filed in either the House or Senate.

STEP 3 – 1ST READING
Bill is read.   

STEP 4 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to a committee. 

STEP 5 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is done on bill.  

STEP 6 – COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee votes on the bill and reports it back to the chamber.

STEP 7 – 2ND READING
The bill is read again.  Amendments can be introduced and adopted. 

STEP 8 – 3RD READING AND FINAL PASSAGE
The bill is read again and debated.  Amendments can be introduced and adopted.  It is then voted on in the full chamber. 

STEP 9 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
Bill that passes 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber and follows the same process. 

STEP 10 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (SKIP TO STEP 13 IF UNAMENDED)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval.  If not approved, it goes to conference committee. 

STEP 11 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
A conference committee works out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and includes their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 12 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report. 

STEP 13 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
The bill is sent to the Governor for signing. 

STEP 14 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signs the bill into law, vetoes it, makes amendments or takes no action.  If no action is taken, the bill becomes law.  If amendments are made, both chambers must approve it or it dies.

STEP 15 – VETO OVERRIDE
If bill is vetoed, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law. 

Washington

Official: Bill Process

STEP 1 – DRAFTING
Bill is drafted.

STEP 2 – INTRODUCTION AND 1ST READING
Bill is filed in either the House or Senate.   This is considered the 1st reading.

STEP 3 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to a committee. 

STEP 4 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is done on bill.  

STEP 5 – COMMITTEE WORK SESSION (OPTIONAL)
Committee can hold a work session to work out any issues with the bill.  

STEP 6 – EXECUTIVE SESSION AND COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee holds an executive session where it votes on the bill and reports it back to the chamber.   It can vote Do Pass, Do Pass as Amended, or Do Pass Substitute.   The report can include both a Majority Report, or the action recommended by the majority of the committee, and a Minority Report, or any other action(s) recommended by the rest of the committee. 

STEP 7 – REFERRED TO 2ND COMMITTEE (OPTIONAL)
Bill can be referred to another committee, where it goes through the same process as the 1st.

STEP 8 – RULES COMMITTEE
Bill gets sent to the Rules Committee, which decides which bills to move on in the process.

STEP 9 – RULES REVIEW (HOUSE)/RULES WHITE (SENATE)
The Rules Committee reviews the bill and determines whether to move it forward. 

STEP 10 – RULES CONSIDERATION (HOUSE)/RULES GREEN (SENATE) - OPTIONAL
The Rules Committee considers whether to move the bill forward to a 2nd reading.

STEP 11 – PLACED ON CALENDAR
The bill is either placed on the regular calendar, or if not controversial, the suspension calendar (House) or consent calendar (Senate).

STEP 12 – 2ND READING
The bill is read.  Amendments can be introduced and adopted. 

STEP 13 – ENGROSSMENT (1ST CHAMBER ONLY)
If amendments are adopted, the bill is engrossed, or reprinted with the changes. 

STEP 14 – 3RD READING AND FINAL PASSAGE
The bill is read again and debated.  It is then voted on in the full chamber. 

STEP 15 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
Bill that passes 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber and follows the same process. 

STEP 16 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (SKIP TO STEP 20 IF UNAMENDED)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval.

STEP 17 – IF UNAPPROVED – SENT BACK TO 2ND CHAMBER TO RECEDE
 If amendments are not approved by the 1st chamber, it goes back to the 2nd chamber to see if it will recede from, or remove, its amendments.  If not, it goes to conference committee. 

STEP 18 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
A conference committee works out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and includes their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 19 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report. 

STEP 20 – ENROLLMENT
Bill is finalized. 

STEP 21 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
The bill is sent to the Governor for signing. 

STEP 22 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signs the bill into law, vetoes it, or takes no action.  If no action is taken, the bill becomes law. 

STEP 23 – VETO OVERRIDE
If bill is vetoed, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law. 



 

West Virginia

Official: Bill Process

STEP 1 – DRAFTING
Bill is drafted, usually with the assistance of the Office of Legislative Services or legislative staff counsel.

STEP 2 – INTRODUCTION
Bill draft is filed in either the House or Senate.

STEP 3 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to a committee. 

STEP 4 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is done on bill.  

STEP 5 – COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee votes on the bill and reports it back to the chamber.  It can vote Do Pass, Do Pass with Amendments, Do Pass as Committee Substitute, Do Not Pass, or No Recommendation.

STEP 6 – RULES COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to the Rules Committee, which determines whether to schedule a bill. 

STEP 7 – 1ST READING
Bill is read.   

STEP 8 – 2ND READING
The bill is read again and debated.  Amendments can be introduced and adopted. 

STEP 9 – 3RD READING AND FINAL PASSAGE
The bill is read again.  It is then voted on in the full chamber. 

STEP 10 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
Bill that passes 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber and follows the same process. 

STEP 11 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (SKIP TO STEP 15 IF UNAMENDED)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval.  If not approved, it goes to conference committee. 

STEP 12 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
A conference committee works out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and includes their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 13 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report. 

STEP 14 – IF UNAPPROVED, 2ND CONFERENCE COMMITTEE (OPTIONAL)
If either chamber does not approve the conference committee report, the bill may go to another conference committee.

STEP 15 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
The bill is sent to the Governor for signing. 

STEP 16 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signs the bill into law, vetoes it, or takes no action.  If no action is taken, the bill becomes law.

STEP 17 – VETO OVERRIDE
If bill is vetoed and legislature is in session, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law. 


 

Wisconsin

Official: Bill Process

STEP 1 – DRAFTING
Bill is drafted by Legislative Reference Bureau with a drafting attorney.

STEP 2 – INTRODUCTION
Bill draft is filed in either the House or Senate.

STEP 3 – 1ST READING
Bill is read.   

STEP 4 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to a committee. 

STEP 5 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is done on bill.  

STEP 6 – COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee votes on the bill and reports it back to the chamber.

STEP 7 – CAUCUS
The bill can then go to a caucus, or a meeting of each political party, where it is explained and discussed.  Then they determine their party’s position on the bill. 

STEP 8 – RULES COMMITTEE (HOUSE ONLY)
In the House, the bill goes to a Rules Committee that schedules the bill for a 2nd reading. 

STEP 9 – 2ND READING
The bill is read again.  Amendments can be introduced and adopted.  The bill can also be indefinitely postponed or sent to study. 

STEP 10 – 3RD READING AND FINAL PASSAGE
The bill is read again and debated.  No amendments can be introduced.  It is then voted on in the full chamber. 

STEP 11 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
Bill that passes 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber and follows the same process. 

STEP 12 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (SKIP TO STEP 13 IF UNAMENDED)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval.  If not approved, it goes to conference committee. 

STEP 13 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
A conference committee works out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and includes their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 14 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report. 

STEP 15 – ENROLLMENT
The bill is finalized. 

STEP 16 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
The bill is sent to the Governor for signing. 

STEP 17 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signs the bill into law, vetoes it, or takes no action.  If no action is taken, the bill becomes law. 

STEP 18 – VETO OVERRIDE
If bill is vetoed, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law. 

Wyoming

Official: Bill Process

STEP 1 – DRAFTING
Bill is drafted by the Legislative Service Office.

STEP 2 – INTRODUCTION
Bill draft is filed in either the House or Senate.

STEP 3 – 1ST READING
Bill is read by title and sponsor only.   

STEP 4 – REFERRED TO COMMITTEE
Bill is sent to a committee. 

STEP 5 – COMMITTEE HEARING
Hearing is done on bill.  

STEP 6 – COMMITTEE ACTION
Committee votes on the bill and reports it back to the chamber.  It can vote Do Pass, Do Pass as Amended, Do Not Pass, or Without Recommendation. 

STEP 7 – IF AMENDED - HOUSE OR SENATE ATTORNEY’S OFFICE
If the committee adopted amendments, they are sent to the House or Senate Attorney’s Office for review and possible correction.  Any substantial changes must be approved by the committee.

STEP 8 – COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE
The bill goes to the Committee of the Whole, or a committee of the entire House or Senate.  The bill is debated.   Amendments may be introduced and adopted.  The committee votes the bill Do Pass, Do Pass as Amended, or Indefinitely Postpone. 

STEP 9 – 2ND READING
The bill is read again by title only.  Amendments can be introduced and adopted. 

STEP 10 – REFERRED TO ANOTHER COMMITTEE (OPTIONAL)
During a 2nd reading, the bill can be referred to another committee.    

STEP 11 – 3RD READING AND FINAL PASSAGE
The bill is read again by number, title, sponsor and enacting clause.  Amendments can be introduced and adopted.  It is then voted on in the full chamber. 

STEP 12 – ENGROSSMENT
If amended, the bill is engrossed, or reprinted with the amendments added.

STEP 13 – SENT TO 2nd CHAMBER
Bill that passes 1st chamber is then sent to the other chamber and follows the same process. 

STEP 14 – IF AMENDED – SENT BACK TO 1st CHAMBER FOR APPROVAL (SKIP TO STEP 17 IF UNAMENDED)
If a bill is amended in the 2nd chamber, it goes back to the 1st chamber for approval.  If not approved, it goes to conference committee. 

STEP 15 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE
A conference committee works out the differences between the House and Senate versions of the bill and includes their recommendations in a report. 

STEP 16 – CONFERENCE COMMITTEE REPORT CONSIDERED
Both the House and Senate must vote whether to approve the conference committee report. 

STEP 17 – SENT TO GOVERNOR
The bill is sent to the Governor for signing. 

STEP 18 – GOVERNOR ACTION
Governor then either signs the bill into law, vetoes it, or takes no action.  If no action is taken, the bill becomes law. 

STEP 19 – VETO OVERRIDE
If bill is vetoed, it is sent back to each chamber to determine whether to vote to override it.  If overridden, it becomes law.