Missouri Senate: How Bills Become Laws

The Missouri Senate is the upper chamber of the Missouri General Assembly, the state's legislative branch. The process through which a bill becomes a law in the Missouri Senate is a multi-step procedure that involves the introduction of a bill, its passage through the legislative houses, and the governor's approval. The process begins with the introduction of a bill by a senator or representative, which is then assigned a number and read for the first time. Following this, the bill undergoes a public hearing, where both proponents and opponents can voice their opinions. The bill is then voted on and, if passed, undergoes perfection before moving on to the next stage. During the perfection stage, the bill may be amended, debated, and voted on again. If the bill passes this stage, it moves on to the final passage, where it is read for the third time and voted on once more. If the bill receives the required majority of votes, it is then sent to the other house for approval. If further amendments are made, they must be approved by the originating house. Once both houses approve the bill, it is sent to the governor for final approval. The governor has the option to sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action. If the governor vetoes the bill, a two-thirds majority vote in both houses is required to override the veto. If the governor takes no action within the prescribed time limit, the bill automatically becomes law.

Bills are designated as Senate or House Bills

In Missouri, bills may originate in either house and are designated as Senate Bills or House Bills, depending on the house in which they originate. No bill may contain more than one subject (except general appropriations bills) and this must be clearly expressed in the bill's title.

Bills may be introduced by any senator or representative during the session. They may be written by the legislator or drafted by the staff of the Committee on Legislative Research at the request of a senator or representative. When introduced, a bill is assigned a number and read for the first time by its title by the Senate or House reading clerk. It is then placed on the calendar for a second reading and assigned to a committee by the speaker of the House or the president pro tem of the Senate.

The next step in the legislative process is a public hearing before the committee to which the bill is assigned. In this hearing, the bill is presented by its sponsor, and both proponents and opponents are heard. Once the hearings are concluded, the committee meets to vote and makes its recommendations. The committee may:

• Report the bill with the recommendation that it "do pass"
• Recommend passage with committee amendments, which are attached to the bill
• Return the bill without recommendation
• Substitute in lieu of the original bill a new bill to be known as a committee substitute
• Report the bill with a recommendation that it "do not pass"
• Make no report at all

If a bill is reported favorably out of committee or a substitute is recommended, it is placed on the "perfection calendar" and, when its turn comes up, is debated on the floor of the originating house. If a substitute is recommended by the committee or if committee amendments are attached to the bill, they are first presented, debated, and voted upon. Further amendments can then be proposed by other members, with their changes designated as House or Senate amendments to differentiate them from the committee amendments. When all amendments have been considered, a motion is made to declare the bill perfected. Perfection is usually voted on by voice vote, but a roll call shall be taken if requested by five members. If a majority of members vote to perfect, the bill is reprinted in its original or amended form.

Bills must be introduced by the 60th legislative day

In Missouri, bills may be introduced by any senator or representative during the session. However, there is a deadline for introducing new bills, which is set as the 60th legislative day of a session. This deadline ensures that the legislative process can move forward and that bills have sufficient time for consideration, debate, and potential amendments.

If a bill is not introduced by the 60th legislative day, it cannot be brought forward unless there is consent from a majority of the elected members of each house, the Senate, and the House of Representatives. This majority consent is an important check, ensuring that both parties have a say in the legislative process and that bills are not rushed through without proper consideration.

The 60th-day rule also applies to all types of bills, except for general appropriations bills. This exception is made because appropriations bills deal with the allocation of funds, and they may need to be introduced later in the session to account for changing fiscal circumstances.

The pre-introduction of bills is also allowed, beginning on December 1 of the year preceding the assembly session. Bills filed during this pre-introduction period are then automatically introduced on the first day of the session, which helps to streamline the legislative process.

In summary, the 60th legislative day serves as a critical deadline in the Missouri legislative process. It ensures that bills are introduced in a timely manner, allowing for proper consideration, debate, and potential amendments. This deadline also provides flexibility, as it can be waived by a majority vote of elected members, demonstrating the collaborative nature of Missouri's legislative process.

Bills are assigned a number and first reading

When a bill is introduced, it is assigned a number and read for the first time by its title by the Senate or House reading clerk. This first reading is an important step in the legislative process, as it officially presents the bill to the chamber and brings it to the attention of the members. The reading clerk will read the title of the bill, which should clearly express the subject of the bill, as no bill (except general appropriations bills) may contain more than one subject.

After the first reading, the bill is placed on the calendar for a second reading and is then assigned to a committee. The committee to which the bill is assigned will hold a public hearing, where the bill will be presented by its sponsor, and both proponents and opponents will have the opportunity to be heard. This hearing is a crucial part of the legislative process, as it allows for public input and debate on the bill.

In the case of some unusually controversial, complex, or lengthy bills, a single hearing may not be sufficient, and the committee may hold multiple hearings to gather more input and ensure a thorough understanding of the bill's potential impact. During the hearings, the committee will also consider any written testimony or comments submitted by the public, allowing for additional input from those who may not be able to attend the hearing in person.

Once the hearings are concluded, the committee will meet to discuss the bill and decide on its recommendations. The committee has several options at this stage, including reporting the bill with a "do pass" recommendation, suggesting amendments, or returning the bill without any recommendation. The committee's recommendations will significantly influence the bill's chances of progressing through the legislative process and becoming a law.

Bills are placed on the perfection calendar

Once a bill is reported favorably out of committee or a committee substitute is recommended, it is placed on the "perfection calendar". When its turn comes up for consideration, it is debated on the floor of the originating house. If a substitute is recommended by the committee or if committee amendments are attached to the bill, they are first presented, debated, and voted upon. Further amendments can then be proposed by other members, with their changes designated as House or Senate amendments to differentiate them from the committee amendments.

When all amendments have been considered, a motion is made to declare the bill perfected. Perfection is usually voted on by voice, but a roll call shall be taken if requested by five members. If a majority of members vote to perfect, the bill is reprinted in its original or amended form.

The perfection calendar is a key stage in the legislative process in Missouri. It is the point at which a bill is debated and amended before being voted on for perfection and printing. This process ensures that a bill is thoroughly considered and any necessary changes are made before it advances further in the legislative process.

The calendar is managed by the Missouri Senate, which consists of 34 members elected for four-year terms. Senators from odd-numbered districts are elected in presidential election years, while those from even-numbered districts are chosen in "off-year" elections.

Bills are sent to the governor for approval

Once a bill has been "truly agreed to and finally passed" by both the House and the Senate, it is sent to the governor for their consideration. The governor has 15 days to act on a bill if it is sent to them during the legislative session, and 45 days if the legislature has adjourned or has recessed for a 30-day period.

The governor has four options: they can sign the bill, veto it, not sign it, or veto line-items in an appropriation bill. If the governor signs the bill, it becomes part of Missouri law. If they veto it, the bill is returned to the General Assembly, where a two-thirds vote by members of both houses is required to override the veto. If the governor does not sign the bill, it goes to the Secretary of State, who then enrolls the bill as an authentic act, and it becomes law. On appropriation bills only, the governor may choose to veto selected items within the bill. The General Assembly may override this veto by a two-thirds majority of both houses.

If the governor does not return the bill within the time limits prescribed by Article III, Section 31 of the Missouri Constitution, it shall become law in the same manner as if the governor had signed it.

Frequently asked questions