Nevada's Lawmaking: Understanding The Bill-To-Law Journey

The process of how a bill becomes a law is a complex one, and in Nevada, it must follow strict Constitutional Rules. An idea for a bill is submitted to a legislative staff attorney by a Legislator, who then translates the idea into a clear and concise bill draft, ensuring it complies with the Nevada State Constitution and other laws. The bill is then read three times on three separate days, before a vote. If the bill passes in the house of origin, it goes to the second house and follows the same steps. If amendments are made, both houses must agree on them. If the bill is accepted by both houses, it is sent to the Governor, who can sign it into law, veto it, or allow it to become law without a signature.

Translating the idea into clear, concise language

Translating an idea into a bill requires clear and concise language that adheres to the Nevada State Constitution and existing laws. The process begins with a legislator or a state or local governmental agency submitting an idea to a legislative staff attorney for drafting into written form.

The bill drafting attorney plays a crucial role in this translation process, ensuring that the bill is compatible with the Nevada State Constitution and other laws while maintaining clear and concise language. They must also ensure that the bill draft adheres to the proper format, style, and legal form.

Once the bill is drafted, it is returned to the original legislator, who can then seek co-sponsors by asking other legislators if they would like to add their names to the bill. This step involves collaboration and building support for the proposed legislation.

The bill then undergoes three readings, each on different days, as mandated by the Nevada Constitutional Rules (Article 4, Section 18). After each reading, there is a debate, and if amendments are proposed and agreed upon by both houses, the bill is adopted. If not, the bill fails.

Finally, once the bill is accepted and passed by both houses, it is sent to the Governor, who has the power to sign it into law, let it become law without a signature, or veto it.

Reading the bill three times on different days

In Nevada, all bills must be read three times, with each reading taking place on different days. This process is mandated by the Nevada Constitution's strict rules, which both Houses must follow.

The first reading of a bill is its introduction to the legislative process. This initial reading sets the stage for the subsequent discussions and debates. After the first reading, the bill is sent to a committee for further review and analysis. The committee may suggest amendments or modifications to the bill before it proceeds to the second reading.

The second reading of a bill involves more in-depth discussions and debates among legislators. This is the stage where the merits and potential impacts of the bill are thoroughly examined. Legislators can propose amendments, and the bill may undergo substantial changes before it is prepared for the final reading.

The third and final reading of a bill is when the legislative process concludes. At this stage, the bill is read in its entirety, including any amendments made during the previous readings and committee considerations. After the third reading, a final vote is held to determine whether the bill passes or fails. If the bill passes in the house of origin, it then moves to the other house, where it undergoes the same procedure.

If amendments are made during the second house's reading, they must be agreed upon by the house of origin for the bill to be adopted. Only when a bill is accepted in both houses can it be sent to the Governor for approval.

The requirement to read a bill three times on different days ensures a deliberate and thoughtful legislative process. It allows for thorough consideration, debate, and potential refinement of the bill's provisions before it becomes a law.

Gaining approval from both houses

Once a bill has been drafted, it is then introduced and read for the first time in the house of origin, which could be either the Assembly or the Senate. After the first reading, the bill moves to the second reading, where it is again read and debated. At this stage, amendments can be proposed and voted on. If the bill passes this stage, it proceeds to the third reading, where it is read and voted on again. If the bill secures a majority vote in the house of origin, it demonstrates initial approval.

The bill then crosses over to the other house, where it undergoes the same rigorous process of readings, debates, and potential amendments. This step is crucial as it ensures that both houses have an opportunity to scrutinise and contribute to the legislation. If amendments are made in the second house, the house of origin must agree to these changes. Achieving consensus between the two houses is essential for a bill's progression.

If the bill successfully passes through the second house with any necessary amendments accepted, it indicates approval from both houses. At this stage, the bill is then sent to the Governor, who has the power to influence the bill's fate. The Governor can choose to sign the bill into law, let it become law without their signature, or exercise their veto power and block the bill from becoming law.

It's worth noting that even if the Governor disapproves of a bill and returns it to the house of origin, there is still a path for the bill to become a law. If, after reconsideration, the bill can secure a two-thirds majority vote in both houses, it can override the Governor's objections and become a law regardless. This showcases the checks and balances in place within Nevada's legislative system, ensuring that no single branch of government holds absolute power.

The Governor's signature

Once a bill has been accepted and passed by both the Assembly and the Senate, it is sent to the Governor for review. At this stage, the Governor has three options: they can choose to sign the bill into law, allow it to become law without their signature, or veto it.

If the Governor supports the bill, they will sign it, and it will officially become a law. However, if the Governor does not agree with the bill, they have the power to veto it and prevent it from becoming a law. This is where the Governor's signature, or the lack thereof, plays a crucial role.

When the Governor vetoes a bill, they return it to the House in which it originated, along with their objections. The House will then reconsider the bill, taking the Governor's objections into account. If, after this reconsideration, the bill once again passes both Houses by a vote of two-thirds of the members elected to each House, it can still become a law, despite the Governor's objections. This process highlights the checks and balances in place and demonstrates how the Governor's signature is not the sole determining factor in a bill becoming a law.

In certain situations, a bill can become a law even without the Governor's explicit approval. If a bill is not returned to the House within five days of being presented to the Governor (excluding Sundays), it will automatically become a law as if the Governor had signed it. There is an exception to this rule: if the Legislature's final adjournment prevents the bill's return, the Governor has ten days (excluding Sundays) after the adjournment to file their objections with the Secretary of State. If they do not, the bill will become a law.

Vetoing a bill

The Governor of Nevada has the power to veto a bill. When a bill is sent to the Governor, they may either:

• Sign the bill into law
• Allow it to become law without a signature
• Veto the bill

If the Governor vetoes a bill, it is returned to its house of origin, where the question is put before the body: "Shall the bill pass notwithstanding the veto of the Governor?" A yea vote is a vote for override, a nay vote is a vote to sustain the veto. A two-thirds majority is necessary in each house to override a gubernatorial veto. If the veto is overridden, the bill becomes law. If the veto is sustained, the bill is rejected.

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