From a bill to a law
The process is lengthy
By Deborah Bennett

The Georgia Legislature is in full swing in Atlanta with legislators introducing and considering numerous bills for action, but have you ever wondered exactly how a bill becomes a law?

The process begins when a legislator recognizes the need for a new law or desires to change an existing one. The legislator decides to introduce or sponsor a bill. At this point, most legislators consult with the Office of Legislative Counsel where an attorney drafts the actual bill. The legislator then files the bill with the proper official in the legislative house in which he/she serves.

Georgia's constitution requires that the title of each bill be read three times on three separate days in each house. When it is introduced, the title of the bill is read aloud on the floor of the chamber for the first time.

At this point, the bill faces "committee consideration."

After introduction, the bill is assigned to a committee for consideration. During this process, the sponsor and other legislators may testify, and if the bill is controversial, public hearings may be held. The committee may also make changes to the proposed bill at this time. If the committee wishes to keep the bill from advancing, it can simply hold the bill or issue an "unfavorable" recommendation.

If reported favorably by the committee, the bill advances to "floor debate."

Each house operates on its own Rules Calendar where each bill placed on the calendar is called one-by-one for floor action. The bill's title is read for the third and last time, and then the floor is opened for debate. At this point amendments may be made to the bill.

After debate, the call for a vote is made. If the bill is approved by the majority of the house where it was introduced it is sent to the other house. If the second house passes the bill, it is returned to the house where it originated.

The bill is then sent to the governor for approval.

Most bills are sent to the governor following the end of the legislative session. The governor then has 40 days to sign the bill into law or do nothing, which allows the bill to become law automatically. The governor may also veto the bill, which returns it to the house where it was introduced for possible veto override. A veto override requires a two third majority vote of the house.

Laws enacted during the legislative session become effective the following July 1 unless a different effective date is provided in the bill.

The process of having a bill enacted into law in a lengthy and tedious one with most bills dying in committee consideration.