How a Good Idea Becomes a Law!

1. How a Good Idea Becomes a Law! A Quick Overview on the Process of a How a Bill Becomes a Law. With Assistance from Bill . . . Prepared by the Federation for Community Schools with materials from

2. This is the story of Bill, and how this bill becomes a law in Washington D.C. Any idea for a bill may come from anybody, but only a member of Congress, a U.S. Senator or U.S. House of Representative, can introduce a bill in Congress.

3. U.S. representatives sponsor bills that are important to them and their constituents. That’s why they need to hear from you! Billis introduced during session and assigned a bill number. House bills begin with “H.R.”, and Senate bills begin with “S”. Bill is off for its first reading, which means the bill’s title is read on the House Floor and sent on to the appropriate subject committee.

4. Billis sent to the appropriate committee such as education and the workforce. The bill is put on the committee’s calendar. The committee debates and marks up the proposed bill. Then, the committee votes on the bill. Bill is then sent to a subcommittee for review. Subcommittees may hold hearings to get expert views. If the subcommittee finds the bill relevant, it will make revisions and send back to same full committee where it started.

5. Bill is reported, which means it is released from committee and sent to the House Floor for consideration by all house members. Billgets called to the House Floor for consideration, which means that debate begins. After the debate, a second reading occurs, during which amendments may be made. Billis read for a third time. Now, it’s time to vote on Bill!

6. Bill is read by title only, and the voting begins! Members in attendance may vote “Yea”, “Nay”, or “Present” (which means they are there but not in favor or opposed). If the bill passes, it’s on to the Senate. Now, Billis in the Senate. If the Senate likes Bill, it will be sent to the appropriate committee for study and markup. If Bill proceeds through Senate, members will vote to pass or not pass it.

7. If Bill passes the U.S. House and Senate, it’s off to the President who can – Sign it into law; Veto the bill; Take no action when Congress is in session which will make the bill law after ten days; or, Take no action when Congress adjourns which will kill the bill. Bill becomes a law – Hurrah! If the President signs the bill or takes no action while Congress is in session; or If Congress overrides a presidential veto

8. If the President vetoes Bill, it returns to the House of origin. If there is enough objection in that House to the President’s veto, a vote is taken to override the veto. A veto override vote is taken. If the House and Senate override votes are two-thirds or greater, then the veto is overridden and Billbecomes law. If not, the bill dies.

9. When You Can Get Involved There are several times during this legislative process of Bill becoming a law where you, a citizen and community school expert, can make a difference. Here they are . . . ► Put the idea in the head of your Congressional representative that becomes a bill! ► Every bill needs an “expert” to become a law, and you can be one of those experts. ► When a bill gets to the full house floor for a vote, contact your Congressional representative to tell him/her your opinion on the bill. ► If your bill makes it through one of the U.S. Congressional bodies, Senate or House, it’s off to the other one. So get ready to contact this Congressional. ► Let the President know how you feel about the bill.

10. Get Involved!Make a Difference!You Have Much to Offer! Please visit the Federation for Community Schools website to see current opportunities for your participation in this process. The Federation for Community Schools promotes policies that support community schools throughout Illinois. 1253 S. Hasted, Suite 310, Chicago, IL 60607 www.ilcommunityschools.org