Explainer: How a Bill Becomes Law

The process of how a law goes from idea to reality is a crucial aspect of any democratic system. It begins with an idea in the form of a "bill," which must successfully pass through the U.S. House of Representatives, and the U.S. Senate, and gain approval from the President. Through this process, the bill undergoes a series of steps, intense debates, and thorough revisions.

In this explainer, we'll track the journey of a bill to become law.

Step 1: The beginning of a bill

Any representative from Congress, Parliament, or any other legislative body can propose a bill. But did you know that ideas for laws can also come from citizens like you? If you have an idea, reach out to your representative. If they support an idea, they will research and draft it into a bill.

Step 2: The bill is introduced 

Once a bill is drafted, it needs a sponsor to present it to the legislature. After gaining support from a representative, it is ready for introduction.

In the U.S. House of Representatives, a bill is assigned a number starting with H.R. and placed in the hopper, a special box on the clerk's desk. Only representatives can introduce bills in this chamber. A reading clerk reads the bill to all representatives, and the Speaker of the House sends it to a standing committee responsible for the particular subject matter. 

Step 3: Committee review

When the bill reaches a committee, committee members - officials who specialize in specific areas, such as education or international affairs - hold hearings, gather expert opinions, and review its potential impacts. They may also propose amendments to improve the bill or address potential concerns. A majority vote then decides its fate: the bill is either approved and sent back to the House or fails to proceed further in its current form.

Step 4: The bill moves on

The bill must pass through both chambers for approval. If most House Representatives vote "yes," the bill passes in the U.S. House of Representatives. The Clerk of the House certifies it and sends it to the U.S. Senate. 

When the bill reaches the U.S. Senate, it follows a similar process as in the U.S. House of Representatives. If it passes in the Senate, it moves to the president for approval. 

Step 5:  Presidential approval

Once the bill has successfully passed both chambers in the same form, it is sent to the president for consideration. The president may either sign the bill into law, veto it (rejecting it entirely), or do nothing (pocket veto), which means the bill automatically becomes law after 10 days (but only if Congress is in session).

The journey of a bill from idea to law involves careful consideration and vigorous debate. By knowing how a bill becomes law, individuals can actively shape the laws that govern their society.

Do you feel empowered in the democratic system knowing the bill-to-law process?