What is a Bill?

What is a Bill?

• A. A legislative proposal introduced in the Legislature
• B. A written statement prepared by the counsel arguing a case in court
• C. A writ issued by a court
• D. A standard of ethical conduct

Answer: (A)

A bill is a legislative proposal introduced in the Legislature that, if enacted, can become law. It starts as a formal draft offered for consideration, moves to committees for study, and through debate and possible amendments must be approved by both houses. After both chambers pass it, it goes to the executive (such as the governor) to be signed into law or vetoed; if signed, or if a veto is overridden, it becomes law. Many bills never advance beyond committees or fail to secure final passage. This distinguishes a bill from other terms like a written argument prepared by counsel for court (a brief), a writ issued by a court (a court order), or a standard of ethical conduct (a code of ethics).

A bill is a legislative proposal introduced in the Legislature that, if enacted, can become law. It starts as a formal draft offered for consideration, moves to committees for study, and through debate and possible amendments must be approved by both houses. After both chambers pass it, it goes to the executive (such as the governor) to be signed into law or vetoed; if signed, or if a veto is overridden, it becomes law. Many bills never advance beyond committees or fail to secure final passage. This distinguishes a bill from other terms like a written argument prepared by counsel for court (a brief), a writ issued by a court (a court order), or a standard of ethical conduct (a code of ethics).