1. Bill Introduction. A representative introduces a bill to the Chief Clerk.

 

2. First Reading. The President of the Assembly or Senate refers the bill to a committee.

3. Public Hearing. There is a public hearing to get the opinions of the general public.

 

4. Committee Executive Session. The committee meets to vote on passing or defeating the bill (this postpones the bill indefinitely). Amendments to the bill can also be presented at this time. If the bill is passed, then it moves onto a second reading.

 

5. Second Reading. The committee recommendation is then read on the senate floor. Representatives then debate the bill and discuss amendments to the bill. After all amendments are voted on, the bill is in its final state and will move to a third reading. The bill can also be defeated during this vote.

 

6. Third Reading. The senate now debates the full bill and a final vote is taken.

 

7. Second House Action. If the bill passes, it moves on to the other house to go through steps 1-6 again.

 

8. Concurrence. The house of origin reviews the bill from the second house. If they do not agree with any changes made by the second house, then a committee of conference will form to develop a compromise bill.

 

9. Conference Report. The compromised bill is then presented to the house of origin for adoption. That house then votes to pass or defeat this version of the bill. If the bill is passed, then it is sent to the governor for approval.

 

10. Governor Action. The bill will become law if the governor signs the bill or does nothing over a period of six days. The governor can also veto a bill, but the bill can still become a law if both houses vote with 2/3 majority to override the governor.