1. Drafting
Advocates collaborate with legislators to define key issues and translate policy goals into formal bill language.
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Have an idea for legislation? Contact your state representatives for them to introduce or sponsor a bill!
Discover how a bill becomes a law in Pennsylvania through our step-by-step guide.
2. Committee
The bill is assigned to a committee for review, where it is debated and refined by experts in its specific field. This standing committee in the House or Senate will hold a hearing to review and amend the proposed bill.
The Legislative Journey
3. Floor Vote
If approved by the committee, the bill proceeds to a chamber vote, where members vote to pass or reject it. Both the House and Senate will vote via simple majority.Â
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Direct constituent outreach to their representatives is critical to secure final passage.
4. Governor
Once passed by both chambers, the bill is sent to the Governor for final approval or veto.
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To override the Governor’s Veto, a two-thirds vote in both chambers (House and Senate) is required.
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5. Implementation
After the Governor approves the bill, state agencies put the new law into action and enforce its policies.
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It is important to remember that all laws can continue to be amended by further legislation, so don't stop advocating once a bill is passed or voted down!
Throwback
Advocacy
Although this video discusses passing a law in the Federal government, we can still learn from this classic from Schoolhouse Rock!