How Laws Can Be Amended: A Dynamic Process

Laws can be changed, but the process is complex and differs depending on the type of law and the jurisdiction. In the United States, laws are made by Congress, which is the federal government's law-making branch. A bill, or proposal for a new law or change to an existing law, can be introduced by a sitting member of the Senate or House of Representatives, or by citizen groups who petition their representative. Once a bill is introduced, it goes through a process of research, discussion, and amendment before being voted on by both bodies of Congress. If passed, it goes to the President for approval, who can veto the bill. Congress can override a veto, but if the bill is not signed into law before Congress adjourns, it will be pocket vetoed and cannot become law. At the state level, laws are changed through the state legislature, and locally, through city or town councils.

How to get a law changed

Laws can be amended over the years, which means that the language of a law can be changed, added to, or deleted. A bill is a proposal for a new law or a change to an existing law. The idea for a bill can come from a sitting member of the U.S. Senate or House of Representatives or be proposed by people or citizen groups who recommend a new or amended law to a member of Congress that represents them.

Identify the Type of Law

Firstly, identify whether it is a local, state, or national government law. For instance, a local ordinance on tethering pets outdoors can be changed through your city or town council. In the US, state laws will need to be changed through your state legislature, while federal laws are changed through Congress.

Research Lawmakers

Your elected representatives are the best ones to introduce new laws or changes on your behalf. Research who represents you and where they stand on your issue to find the best person to work with to get the law changed.

Craft a Catchy Headline

If this is a local or state issue, make sure to put the relevant location in the headline to catch locals’ attention and engage them. This headline should highlight the law they want to change and the state it is in.

Write a Compelling Petition

In the body of your petition, explain who is impacted, what the law is now, and how you want to see it changed. Emphasize why now is the time to make this change. If there’s a personal reason you want this change, tell your story. Making people feel emotion and understand the real impact of the law is more effective in getting them to support your journey to change it.

Choose an Image

The image and headline are the first things people will see on your petition. Look for colour contrast, close-ups of people and pets that portray emotion, and avoid text in the image. Use images that you are allowed to distribute, such as those with a creative commons license that allows for reuse. Images that are at least 1600 x 900 pixels look the best on any screen.

Collect Signatures and Build Support

The more people you get to sign your petition, the more likely it is that the government will listen and make the change you want to see. Put your petition on social media, on local bulletin boards, your local radio station, and wherever it makes sense to find other people who care about this issue too. Get media attention and build momentum for your cause.

Engage Lawmakers

Once you have some support behind your idea, engage the lawmakers you researched. If you’re having trouble getting a meeting, you can organize your supporters in a letter-writing campaign, call their representatives, or take to social media to get politicians’ attention on the law you want to be changed. Work with lawmakers to write a new bill that includes the changes you want to make. There are many bill-writing guides and templates available online to help you.

How to find the lawmaker

Laws are created and changed by legislators, also known as lawmakers. These individuals are responsible for writing and passing laws, particularly at the national level as members of a legislature. Legislators can be elected by the people, appointed, or hereditary, depending on the political system.

In the United States, the process of lawmaking involves several steps, and it is important to understand the roles of various entities to find the lawmaker behind a specific law. Here are some steps to help you find the lawmaker:

Identify the Level of Government

Determine whether the law you are interested in is a local, state, or federal law. This is an important first step because the lawmaker will vary depending on the level of government. For example, a local ordinance on pet tethering would be a local law, while federal tax-related laws are federal-level.

Research the Relevant Lawmaking Body

Once you know the level of government, you can identify the specific lawmaking body responsible. For local laws, this could be your city or town council. For state laws, it would be the state legislature, and for federal laws, it is Congress, which consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Find Your Representatives

Your elected representatives are the ones who can introduce new laws or changes on your behalf. Research who your representatives are at the local, state, and federal levels. You can find information about your Senators and Representatives on the official government websites.

Examine the Legislative History

Look into the legislative history of the law you are interested in. This information may be available on government websites or through other public records. Find out when the law was passed, as this can help you identify the lawmakers in office at that time.

Contact the Office of the Lawmakers

Reach out to the offices of your identified representatives or lawmakers. They should be able to provide you with information about their legislative records, including the laws they have sponsored or supported. You can also ask about the specific law you are interested in and their involvement in its creation or amendment.

Review Committee Reports

Committee reports are valuable sources of information about the legislative history of a law. These reports are used by courts, executive departments, and the public to understand the purpose and meaning of a law. They include oversight findings, recommendations, cost estimates, and performance goals. Reviewing these reports can help identify the lawmakers involved in the law's creation or amendment.

By following these steps, you should be able to find the lawmaker or lawmakers responsible for a particular law. Remember that the process may vary slightly depending on the level of government and the specific laws in question.

How to create a bill

Laws can be amended over the years, which means that the language of a law can be changed, added to, or deleted. The process of changing a law involves creating a bill, which is a proposal for a new law or a change to an existing law. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to create a bill:

Identify the Type of Law

Firstly, determine whether the law you want to change is a local, state, or national government law. This is important because the process of changing a law differs depending on the level of government. For example, local ordinances are typically changed through the city or town council, while state laws are changed through the state legislature, and federal laws are changed through Congress.

Research Lawmakers and Pending Legislation

Research the lawmakers who represent you and their stance on the issue. Your elected representatives are usually the best ones to introduce new laws or changes on your behalf. Check for any pending legislation that might overlap with your topic to ensure your efforts are coordinated and strategic.

Craft a Clear and Catchy Petition

Create a clear and concise headline for your petition that highlights the specific law you want to change and the location impacted. In the body of the petition, explain who is impacted by the current law, how it affects them, and the changes you want to see implemented. Include a personal story or emotional appeal to engage supporters and lawmakers.

Collect Signatures and Build Support

Gather as many signatures as possible for your petition to demonstrate public support for the proposed change. Utilize various channels to reach a wider audience, such as social media, local bulletin boards, and local radio stations. Engage with supporters to build momentum and encourage them to contact their representatives or participate in a letter-writing campaign.

Engage with Lawmakers and Draft the Bill

Once you have built a strong base of support, reach out to the lawmakers you researched to propose the changes. Work with them to draft a new bill that incorporates the desired changes. Utilize the many bill-writing guides and templates available online to assist you in this process. Remember, the sponsor of the bill is the lawmaker who helps write or introduces it to the legislature, so maintaining a good relationship with them is crucial.

Present the Bill to Congress

After the bill is introduced to the legislature, it will go through a process of research, discussion, and potential amendments. It will then be put to a vote. If the bill passes one body of Congress, it moves to the other body for a similar process before both chambers vote on the same version of the bill. If the bill is accepted by both chambers, it is presented to the president for final approval.

Creating a bill and navigating the legislative process can be complex and time-consuming. It requires persistence, engagement, and the ability to navigate the political landscape. However, by following these steps and building a strong support base, you can effectively advocate for the changes you want to see in the law.

How to get media attention

Changing a law is no easy feat, but it can be done. The process begins with a bill, which can be proposed by a sitting member of the U.S. Senate or House of Representatives, or be petitioned by people or citizen groups who recommend a new or amended law to a member of Congress that represents them. Once a bill is introduced, it goes through a process of research, discussion, changes, and voting before potentially becoming a law. So, how can you get media attention to support this process?

Firstly, identify your target media outlets and journalists. Research which outlets and journalists have covered similar topics or issues in the past, and make a list of contacts. Reach out to them via email, introducing yourself and your campaign, and providing a concise overview of your petition. It is important to be persistent, as journalists receive many pitches and you may need to contact several before receiving a response.

Craft a compelling narrative that will resonate with journalists and their audiences. Storytelling is a powerful tool, so consider including personal stories and experiences that highlight the impact of the issue and the need for change. Use vivid details, and don't forget to include visuals such as photos or videos to make your story more engaging. If you have any notable supporters, such as celebrities or local influencers, be sure to mention them.

Timing is crucial. Link your campaign to current events, upcoming deadlines, or calendar events to make it relevant and newsworthy. Monitor the media to stay informed about any related stories or developments, and be prepared to adapt your pitch to fit the current news cycle. You can also create a sense of momentum by highlighting the number of signatures your petition has received in a short period.

Utilize social media to your advantage. Create shareable content, such as videos or infographics, and encourage your supporters to share them on their own channels, tagging relevant politicians or journalists. This can help amplify your message and reach a wider audience, including those who may be influential in getting your proposed law changed.

Finally, be prepared for interviews and media appearances by having three key points that you want to convey. Practice answering potential interview questions, staying focused on your main messages, and providing additional context or supporting data when needed. Remember, media attention can be a powerful tool in influencing decision-makers, so make the most of any opportunities to share your story and engage the public in your campaign.

How to get a lawmaker's attention

Laws can be changed by citizens through their representatives in Congress. However, getting a law changed can be a challenging and time-consuming process. Here are some steps you can take to get a lawmaker's attention and increase your chances of success:

Identify the Law and the Lawmaker

Firstly, identify the law you want to change and determine whether it is a local, state, or national government law. This is crucial because different laws are changed through different legislative bodies. For example, a local ordinance would be changed through your city or town council, while federal laws are changed through Congress. Researching the lawmakers and understanding their interests will help you frame your message effectively.

Craft a Clear and Concise Message

Create a catchy and concise headline for your cause, ensuring you include the location if it is a local or state issue. Focus on what change you want to see and how it will impact people. Use a simple, striking image that portrays emotion to help convey your message. Be sure to make a specific ask of the lawmaker, whether it is policy-oriented or relationship-building.

Gather Support

Build a petition with a personal story and a clear explanation of the desired change. Collect as many signatures as possible to demonstrate the support behind your idea. Utilise social media, local bulletin boards, and local radio stations to gain momentum and attract media attention.

Contact the Lawmaker

Reach out to the lawmaker directly by crafting a press release, requesting interviews with journalists, and sending emails or letters. You can also call their office and request a meeting. If you encounter difficulties in scheduling a meeting, you can organise a letter-writing campaign or encourage your supporters to call their representatives. Visiting the Capitol and speaking directly with the legislator or their aides can also be effective.

Work with the Lawmaker

Once you have gained the lawmaker's attention, work with them to draft a new bill that incorporates the changes you want to see. This process may involve multiple stakeholders and can take a significant amount of time. Stay engaged and follow up with the sponsor to track the bill's progress through the legislative process.

Frequently asked questions