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HOW A BILL BECOMES LAW. And How Court Administration Can Have Input . IDEA. Can be suggested by anyone: Citizen Consumer group Professional association Executive Branch agency Governor Judicial Branch. AUTHOR.
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HOW A BILL BECOMES LAW And How Court Administration Can Have Input
IDEA Can be suggested by anyone: • Citizen • Consumer group • Professional association • Executive Branch agency • Governor • Judicial Branch
AUTHOR • Each bill needs a Senator and a Representative to sponsor and introduce bill (chief author) • Responsible for moving it through the process
INTRODUCTION • Introduced in House and Senate • “First Reading” • Gets bill number • Referred to appropriate committee for discussion based on subject matter
COMMITTEE PROCESS • Bill is discussed in one or more committee • Testimony taken • Bill may be amended • Committee recommends action • Report sent to Floor • Possible referral to other committees
FLOOR ACTION • After full House or Senate receive final committee report, the bill has “second reading”. • Placed on general calendar • House – General Register • Senate – General Orders • Placed on calendar for the Day • Floor debate and amendment
FINAL PASSAGE “Third Reading” • If versions are identical bill goes to Governor for signature • If versions are close, one side accepts other’s language and bill goes to Governor • If versions are different bill goes to Conference Committee
CONFERENCE COMMITTEE • Differences are worked out and a compromise is reached • Conference Committee report presented to full House and Senate • Only “yes or no” vote possible • Can be sent back to Conference Committee • Goes to Governor for signature
GOVERNOR • Sign it • Veto it within 3 days • 2/3 vote of House and Senate will override veto • Allow it to become law by not signing it • “Line item veto” parts of a money bill • “Pocket veto” a bill passed during last three days by not signing it within 14 days after adjournment
JUDICIAL BRANCH ACTIVITIES • Pursue Legislation and Budget Request • Proposals are submitted to Judicial Council for endorsement • Testimony and relevant information provided • Testimony provided for other initiatives • Questions answered for legislators and staff
WHAT CAN I DO? • Write a letter to your legislators • Participate in ride along program • Suggest legislative changes • Participate on MACM Legislative Committee • Keep responding to requests for information • Review proposed legislation and report on impacts