| 1. |
A
bill may be introduced in either the Senate
or House of Representatives. |
| 2. |
A
committee studies the bill and often holds
public hearings on it. It can then pass, reject
or take no action on the bill. |
| 3. |
The
committee report on the passed bill is read
in open session of the House or Senate, and
the bill is then referred to the Rules Committee. |
| 4. |
The
Rules Committee can either place the bill
on the second reading of the calendar for
debate before the entire body, or take no
action. |
| 5. |
At
the second reading, a bill is subject to debate
and amendment before being placed on the third
reading calendar for final passage. |
| 6. |
After
passing one house, the bill goes through the
same procedure in the other house. |
| 7. |
If
amendments are made, the other house must
approve the changes. |
| 8. |
When
the bill is accepted in both houses, it is
signed by the respective leaders and sent
to the Governor. |
| 9. |
The
Governor signs the bill into law or may veto
all or part of it. If the Governor fails to
act on the bill, it may become law without
a signature. |
