The Journey Of A Bill To Wisconsin Law

In Wisconsin, the process of turning a bill into a law is a lengthy one, with at least 13 procedural steps required before it reaches the governor's desk for final enactment. The process begins with the introduction of a bill by a legislator in one of the two houses of the legislature, the State Assembly or the State Senate. A bill often has numerous co-sponsors, and sometimes identical bills, known as companion bills, are introduced in both houses. Once introduced, a bill must go through multiple steps to become a law, and there are several ways to ensure a bill moves through the process smoothly.

A bill starts as an idea

The process of turning an idea into a bill requires the support of legislators. If they support a bill, legislators from the same house can sign on as co-authors, while members of the opposite house sign on as co-sponsors. One legislator is likely not enough to get this “idea” off the ground. It is beneficial to establish other friends in the legislature to help support the process. These might later become sponsors of the bill. Sponsors are lawmakers who support the bill and work toward getting it passed.

The bill is then introduced in one of the two houses of the legislature, the State Assembly or the State Senate. This is called the bill's 'first reading'. Often, bills are referred to by number at this point. For example, 2013 Assembly Bill 20, or 'AB20'. Bills often have numerous co-sponsors, and sometimes identical bills, known as 'companion bills', are introduced in both houses.

After the first reading, the bill is referred to a committee that has jurisdiction over the subject matter. For instance, a bill about schools would probably be referred to the Assembly or Senate Committee on Education. Committees are groups of legislators who focus on a particular topic, and this specialization helps the legislature to give each bill the attention it needs.

A legislator drafts a bill

A bill begins as an idea from an individual or group. For example, someone may think that imposing speed limits is a good idea. This group must then convince a legislator that the idea is worth pursuing. If the legislator agrees, they will have a drafting lawyer prepare a draft of a bill to identify the laws that will need to change. The legislator then works to get the bill introduced.

Once the legislator is on board, they write a bill (a proposal that is the first step to creating a law). The legislator will then have to get other legislators on their side to support the bill. These supporters are called sponsors. Sponsors are lawmakers who support the bill and work to get it passed. The more sponsors, the better the chances of creating a law.

The legislator will also have to establish friends in the legislature to help support the process. This can be done by forming allies outside of the legislature with groups that will potentially support the bill and be willing to testify on behalf of the bill.

After the bill has been drafted, it is introduced in one of the two houses of the legislature, the State Assembly or the State Senate. Bills are often referred to by number at this point, for example, 2013 Assembly Bill 20, or 'AB20'. If they support a bill, legislators from the same house can sign on as co-authors, while members of the opposite house sign on as co-sponsors.

The bill is then read before the Assembly or Senate, which is called an 'introduction' or its 'first reading'.

The bill is introduced

The bill is then referred to the relevant committee. For example, a bill about schools would be referred to the Assembly or Senate Committee on Education. Committees are groups of legislators who focus on a particular topic and give each bill the attention it needs. While a bill is 'in committee', legislative service agencies research the bill to determine its impact. For instance, they might find that a bill contradicts federal law or that similar measures have been found to be ineffective.

Committees also hold public hearings, where they hear from experts and the general public. All bills that involve spending state money or raising taxes are sent to the Joint Committee on Finance, which is attended by both representatives and senators. They specifically discuss the financial impact of the bill.

In response to research and hearings, a committee may offer amendments to a bill and send its analysis back to the legislature, usually with a recommendation on whether the bill should be passed.

The bill is then read again before the legislature, which is called the 'second reading'. Legislators vote on individual amendments and may offer more.

The bill is then read a third time, and legislators vote on the completed bill with any amended changes. If it passes, it's sent to the other house and the process is repeated. If amendments are made in the second house, the bill is sent back to the first house to confirm they agree with the changes.

The bill is referred to a committee

After a bill has been introduced, it is referred to a committee. The committee it is referred to will have jurisdiction over the subject matter of the bill. For example, a bill about schools would probably be referred to the Assembly or Senate Committee on Education. Committees are groups of legislators who focus on a particular topic, such as education or housing, and this specialization helps the legislature to give each bill the attention it needs.

While a bill is 'in committee', legislative service agencies will research the bill to determine its impact. For instance, the Legislative Council might find that a bill contradicts federal law, or that scientific studies have found similar measures to be ineffective. Committees will also usually hold public hearings, where they hear from experts and the general public. All bills which involve spending state money or raising taxes are also sent to the Joint Committee on Finance, which is attended by both representatives and senators. They specifically discuss the cost and financial impact of the bill.

In response to research and hearings, a committee may offer amendments to a bill. Then, it sends its analysis back to the legislature, usually with a recommendation of whether the legislature should pass the bill.

The bill is voted on

In Wisconsin, the bill is voted on in the respective house, following a public hearing. The committee will hold one or more public hearings on the bill, inviting comments and suggestions from members of the public, lobbyists, and representatives of the Executive and Judicial branches of government. The committee will discuss the bill, most often in executive session, and may take no action or recommend possible amendments and/or passage of the bill. After the committee sends its recommendations to its full house, the bill will be placed on a daily calendar for consideration by the entire body.

The bill will then have its second reading, and the house will consider amendments, first those recommended by the committee, and then any others from the rest of the house members. After considering all amendments, the bill will have its third reading, after which no further amendments can be made.

The house will then vote on the passage of the bill. It is important to note that along the way, there may be motions to table the bill or indefinitely postpone action, which could effectively "kill" it. If the bill passes the first house, the same steps are repeated in the second house. Every step is an opportunity to advance or stop a bill.

Once both houses have passed the bill, the house and senate versions are consolidated and sent to the governor for consideration. The governor can then choose to sign or veto the bill. If the governor does nothing for six days, the bill becomes law.

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