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The Legislative process can seem confusing, but it’s really no mystery. Here’s how a bill goes through the process to become State law:
1. Introduction: A legislator in either the State Senate or State House of Representatives may introduce a bill.
It is given a number and referred to an appropriate
committee for a hearing.
2. Hearing: The committee
studies the
bill and may hold public hearings on it.
It can then pass, reject or take no
action
on the bill.
3. Rules Committee: If passed, thecommittee report on the bill is read in open session of the House or Senate, and the bill is then referred to the Rules Committee.
4. Second Reading: The Rules Committee can either place the bill on the “second reading” calendar for debate before the entire body,
or take no action.
5. Third Reading: At the second reading,
a bill is subject to debate and amendment before
being placed on the “third reading” calendar for a final
vote.
6. Send to Other Body: If a
bill passes either the House or Senate, the bill then goes through the
same procedure in the other body.
7. Amendments: If amendments are made in either the House or Senate, the other body must approve the changes.
8. Governor: When the bill is accepted in the same form by both House and Senate, it is signed by the respective leaders and sent to the Governor. The Governor can sign the bill into law, or may veto the entire bill, or only part of it. If the Governor fails to act on the bill, it may become law without a signature. |
Talking to Elected Officials
You don’t need to be an expert to talk to your elected officials. Remember, they work for you!
• First, be sure to tell them your name and where you live. You want to make sure they know you are a voter in their district.
• Tell them why the issue is important to you. For example, you could talk about why living wage liquor store jobs matter
to you. You could talk about why it’s time to act now on meal and rest breaks. Most important: be yourself & tell your story about why this issue matters to you.
• Ask the elected official how he or she will vote. Try to get a clear commitment. If you don’t get a clear answer, ask them
to get back to you with their answer. Write your answers on the reporting forms in
your packet. Reference your desire for a commitment in your thank you note.
• If the elected official has a question you cannot answer, don’t worry.
Just write down the questions and pass it on to UFCW Staff. Someone will get back to them promptly with the information they’re asking for.
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