The Idea
Ideas can come from representatives or senators, lobbyists, special interest groups and YOU. If you have an idea of how to solve a problem with a law, talk to your representative.
The TMACOG Advocacy Toolkit
How a bill becomes a law and how you can make a difference
How to find your legislator. How to write to your legislator. How to schedule a meeting. How to make a meeting effective. How to monitor legislation.
Draft the bill
Start from scratch, or look for a similar law in another state to use as a template.
Share it
Look for support, ask for co-sponsors.
Drop it
Submit the bill to the House (if you're a representative), or the Senate (if you're a senator).
The bill is assigned to a committee. Public hearings are held, public input solicited. This is where the public can have the most influence.
First Vote
If it passes, it's off to the other house.
If it doesn't pass, it's not a law.
Second Vote
The bill is assigned to a committee in the other house. More public hearings, public input.
Pass!
Or if it doesn't pass...Not a law.
With amendments? Off to reconciliation committee.
Members of both houses form a reconciliation committee to resolve differences. They send the revised bill back to the beginning.
With no amendments?
Off to the chief executive.
The bill stops here
The governor signs the bill. It's a Law!
Or the governor does not sign, but does not veto. It's a Law!
Or the governor (or the president) vetoes the bill. Not a Law.
Unless! The bill could go back to the House or Senate to vote to override the veto.
Download the Toolkit
