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If we want to make a difference in our culture, then it is very  important to understand the process of making laws. This is a  process that everyone can have a part in. That's how our Country was made. Below is a detailed explanation of exactly what has to happen to make a bill into the law of the land.

 

 

Legislator sees the need for a new law or changes in existing law and decides to introduce a bill. Legislator goes to Office of Legislative Counsel. There, attorney advises legislature on legal issues and drafts a bill. Legislator files bill with the Clerk of the House or Secretary of the Senate.

 

On legislative day after filing, bill is formally introduced. In chamber, bill's title is read during period of 1st readings. Immediately after 1st reading, presiding officer assigns bill to a standing committee. In the House only, on next
legislative day, Clerk reads
bill's title (2d reading) in chamber, although actual bill is now in
committee. In Senate, 2d reading
comes after bill is reported favorably
from committee.

 

Bill considered by committee. Author and other legislators may testify. If controversial, public hearings may be held. Bill is reported favorably by committee and returned to Clerk or Secretary. Clerk or Secretary prepares a General Calendar of bills favorably reported from committee. For first 10 days of session in House (15 days in the Senate) presiding officer calls up bills from this calendar for floor action.

 
Starting with 10th day of session in House (15th day in Senate), the Rules Committee meets and from bills on General Calendar prepares a Rules Calendar for the next day's floor consideration. For the last 30 days of session in House (25 days in Senate), presiding officer calls up bills, from the Rules Calendar for floor consideration. Once presiding officer calls bill up from Rules Calendar, Clerk reads bill's title (3d reading). Bill is now ready for floor debate, amendments, and voting.

 
After debate, main question is called and members vote. If bill is approved by majority of total membership of that house, it is sent to the other house. If second house passes bill, it is returned to house where bill was introduced. If changes are accepted,...
If the first house rejects changes and second house insists, a conference committee may be appointed. If committee report is accepted by both houses,...		 Bill is enrolled and sent to the Governor (if requested). Otherwise, all enrolled bills sent to Governor following adjournment sine die.

 
Governor may sign bill or do nothing, and bill becomes law. Governor may veto bill, which requires two-thirds of members of each house to override. Act and other laws enacted at the session are printed in the Georgia Laws series. Also, act is incorporated into the Official Code of Georgia Annotated.

Act becomes effective the following July 1, unless a different effective date is provided in act.

 

Click here for a printable explanation of the law-making process.

Click here for a humorous account of what often happens when making a bill into law.

 
© 2008 Georgia Right to Life.
All rights reserved.