Detailed Steps in the Bill Process

I.Sponsored Bills
        A.Approached by constituent, lobbyist, staff, etc. with bill proposal
        B.Submit proposed language to Legislative Counsel
             1.Within days you will receive a "golden rod" copy from Leg. Counsel containing an
               RN(request number) and a Leg. Counsel staff contact
             2.The bill should be delivered within a matter of days
        C.Obtain Member's signature on bill and put it across the desk on the Assembly floor
        D.Remain in close contact with sponsor for changes
             1.Committee suggestions for amendments
             2.Opposition may negotiate for amendments
        E.Assembly Committee hearings
             1.Introduced bills have to be in print for 31 days prior to action
             2.Referred to policy committee by Assembly Rules
                  a.once assigned, track bill and be prepared for hearing
                       1.update bill files, prepare Member's statement
                  b.attend hearing with Member
             3.Policy committee may or may not refer bill to Fiscal Committee
                  a.if referred, same preparation as above
                  b.if not referred, it will be sent directly to the floor for vote by whole
                    membership
        F.Assembly Floor
             1.From committee to "Second Reading File"
                  a.no action necessary by Member staff
             2.From "Second Reading" to "Third Reading"
                  a.update bill files, prepare Member's statement
                  b.watch/listen to floor session to hear vote or for any problems or suggested
                    changes from another Member
                  c.bill will pass or fail
                       1.if it fails, game over
                       2.if it passes, it is sent to the Senate
   II.Senate Side of the Process
        A.Senate Committee hearings
             1.Referred to policy committee by Senate Rules
                  a.once assigned, track bill and be prepared for hearing
                       1.update bill files, prepare Member's statement
                  b.attend hearing with Member
             2.Policy committee may or may not refer bill to Fiscal committee
                  a.if referred, same preparation as above
                  b.if not referred, it will be sent directly to the floor for vote by whole
                    membership
        B.Senate Floor
             1.From committee to "Senate Second Reading"
                  a.no action required by Member or staff
             2.From "Senate Second Reading" to "Third Reading"
                  a.update bill files, and approach a Senator about "Floor jockeying" (presenting
                    bill on the Senate floor for our Member)
                  b.watch/listen to floor session to hear vote or for any problems or suggested
                    changes from another Member
                  c.bill will pass or fail
                       1.if it fails, game over
                       2.if it passes
                            a.if amendments have been adopted in Senate, the newly passed
                              version will be sent back to Assembly Floor for Concurrence
                              vote
                            b.if no amendments were adopted, the Senate will send the bill to
                              the Governor for his signature.
  III.Governor's Office
        A.Once received, the Governor has 30 days to sign the bill
             1.There are three options
                  a.Governor signs bill
                       1.the bill becomes law effective Jan. 1 of the following year, unless
                         urgency clause has been adopted
                  b.Governor does not sign bill
                       1.bill does not become law
                  c.Governor vetoes bill
                       1.bill does not become law and Governor writes a letter to the house of
                         the bill's origin explaining why he vetoed the bill
                       2.the house of the bill's origin has the option of overriding the Governor's
                         veto by a 2/3 vote