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How government works

How a state bill becomes law

State legislatures work much like Congress, with important differences by state.

How a state bill becomes lawThe usual path in the 49 states with two legislative chambers. Nebraska has one chamber. Steps: Filed; Committee; First chamber; Second chamber; Governor; Law or ballot1FiledA legislator files the bill, often before the session starts.2CommitteeIt is referred to a committee, which may hold a hearing and vote.3First chamberThe full house or senate votes on it.4Second chamberThe other chamber repeats the process; differences must be resolved.5GovernorSigns, vetoes, or (in many states) lets it become law without a signature.6Law or ballotIt takes effect on a set date. Some measures go to voters instead.
How a state bill becomes law
  1. Filed: A legislator files the bill, often before the session starts.
  2. Committee: It is referred to a committee, which may hold a hearing and vote.
  3. First chamber: The full house or senate votes on it.
  4. Second chamber: The other chamber repeats the process; differences must be resolved.
  5. Governor: Signs, vetoes, or (in many states) lets it become law without a signature.
  6. Law or ballot: It takes effect on a set date. Some measures go to voters instead.

Differences that matter: most legislatures meet only part of the year, some every other year. Many governors have a line-item veto for budget items. Some states require a public vote for constitutional changes or tax increases. Bill numbers, deadlines and rules differ by state, so always check the official legislature website linked on each bill page.

What you can do

Words used here

Bill
A proposed law. It becomes law only if it passes the legislature and is signed by the president or governor (or a veto is overridden).
Legislature
The elected body that makes laws. In Texas it has a House of Representatives (150 members) and a Senate (31 members). In Florida it has a House of Representatives (120 members) and a Senate (40 members).
Veto
The power of a president or governor to reject a bill passed by the legislature. Lawmakers can override a veto with a large enough vote (two-thirds of each chamber in Congress).
Fiscal note
A short estimate attached to a Texas bill or resolution of how much it would cost or save the state and local governments. It is written by the Legislative Budget Board, which is nonpartisan staff.
Quorum
The minimum number of members who must be present for a body to do official business.

Official sources

A simplified overview written by PSI Sci editors from the sources above. Details vary, and exceptions exist. Other guides: How a federal bill becomes law · The federal budget process · Authorization vs. appropriation · Rulemaking and the Federal Register · Ballot measures and propositions · Levels of government · How to contact officials effectively