Understanding The Process: Bills To Laws In Mo

The process of how a bill becomes a law in Missouri involves several steps and can be influenced by the Governor and the Mayor. The legislative process is similar in both the Senate and the House of Representatives. First, a bill is introduced and assigned a number, then it goes through two readings before being assigned to a committee. After a public hearing, the committee votes and makes recommendations. The bill is then placed on the `perfection calendar' and debated on the floor, where amendments can be proposed. If the bill passes, it goes to the other house for the same process, and if further amendments are made, it goes back to the originating house. If the bill is approved, it is sent to the Governor for consideration, who has 15 days to act during the legislative session and 45 days if the legislature has adjourned or recessed for 30 days. The Governor can sign the bill, veto it, or take no action, in which case it goes to the Secretary of State and becomes law. In St. Louis, the Mayor also has a role, as bills passed by the Board of Aldermen are presented to the Mayor for approval or disapproval, with the option to veto.

Bills are designated as 'Senate Bills' or 'House Bills'

In the United States, the process of turning a bill into a law involves several steps. Bills are designated as Senate Bills or House Bills depending on the house in which they originate. The designation is important as it determines the subsequent journey of the bill and the process it must go through to become a law.

A bill is a proposal for a new law or a proposal to change an existing law. A bill can be introduced in either the House of Representatives or the Senate, and the designation of the bill as a House or Senate Bill is based on its origin. If a bill is introduced in the House of Representatives, it is designated as a House Bill, and if it is introduced in the Senate, it is designated as a Senate Bill. This designation is important because it determines the order in which the bill will be considered and the rules that will apply to its consideration.

The designation of a bill as a House or Senate Bill also determines the committee to which it will be assigned for study and consideration. The committee process is a crucial part of the legislative process, as it allows for detailed consideration of the bill, public input, and the proposal of amendments. The committees provide an opportunity for experts and stakeholders to testify and for the public to have their voices heard.

Once a bill has been considered by the committee and passed, it will then be voted on by the full chamber of its house of origin. If it passes this vote, it will then go to the other chamber, where it will go through a similar process of committee consideration and voting. If the bill passes in both chambers, it will then go to the president for approval.

The designation of a bill as a House or Senate Bill is, therefore, an important first step in the legislative process, as it sets the bill on its path to becoming a law and determines the specific procedures it will go through.

No bill can be introduced after the 60th legislative day

In Missouri, no bill can be introduced after the 60th legislative day of a session without the consent of the majority of elected members of each house or a request from the governor in a special message. This is because the Missouri General Assembly, composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives, convenes annually on the first Wednesday after the first Monday of January and adjourns on May 30, with no consideration of bills after 6:00 p.m. on the first Friday following the second Monday in May.

The legislative procedure for introducing a bill is as follows:

• Introduction of a Bill: Members may pre-file bills from December 1 of the year preceding the opening of the General Assembly session. Bills are then introduced on the first day of the session, and members can continue to introduce bills through the 60th legislative day of the session.
• First and Second Readings: When introduced, a bill is assigned a number and is read for the first time by its number and title by the House reading clerk. It is then scheduled for a second reading and assigned to a committee by the Speaker of the House or the President Pro Tem of the Senate.
• Public Hearing: The bill is presented by its sponsor before the assigned committee, and both proponents and opponents are heard. After the hearing, the committee votes and makes recommendations, which may include reporting the bill with a "do pass" or "do not pass" recommendation, suggesting committee amendments, or making no recommendation at all.
• Perfection of a Bill: If the committee reports the bill favorably or recommends a substitute, it is placed on the "perfection calendar." When it is considered, it is debated on the floor of the originating house, and any recommended amendments are presented, debated, and voted on. Additional amendments can be proposed by other members. Once all amendments have been addressed, a motion is made to declare the bill perfected, and a vote is taken.
• Final Passage of a Bill: After perfection and reprinting, the bill moves on to the calendar for a third reading and final passage. Members may speak for or against its passage, but no further substantive amendments can be offered. A recorded vote is taken, and approval by a constitutional majority of elected members (18 in the Senate and 82 in the House) is required for final passage.

Therefore, the rule regarding the 60th legislative day ensures that there is a defined period for bill introductions and provides a structured process for the rest of the legislative session, allowing for the orderly consideration and passage of bills.

The governor can request consideration of proposed legislation

In Missouri, the governor plays a crucial role in the legislative process. While the governor does not directly propose legislation, they have the power to request consideration of proposed bills by sending a special message to the General Assembly. This is a significant power, as it allows the governor to influence the legislative agenda and bring attention to issues they deem important.

The governor's request for consideration of a bill can initiate the legislative process. Once a bill is introduced, it undergoes several stages before becoming a law. The bill is first assigned a number and read by its title, followed by a second reading and assignment to a committee. The committee then holds a public hearing, considers the bill, and makes recommendations. If the committee reports the bill favorably, it proceeds to the "perfection calendar" for debate and potential amendments. After perfection and reprinting, the bill goes through a third reading and final passage. If it receives the required majority vote, it is sent to the other house, where it undergoes a similar process.

Throughout this journey, the governor's influence remains significant. If a bill is delivered to the governor during the legislative session, they have 15 days to act on it. They can choose to sign the bill, veto it, or take no action. If the governor signs the bill, it becomes law and is returned to its house of origin. If vetoed, the bill returns to the house of origin with the governor's objections, and a two-thirds vote in both houses is required to override the veto. Interestingly, if the governor takes no action within the prescribed time frame, the bill automatically becomes law, demonstrating the importance of timely gubernatorial action.

The governor's role extends beyond considering individual bills. They are also responsible for convening the General Assembly in special sessions, which can last up to 60 calendar days. During these sessions, only subjects recommended by the governor or included in a special message may be addressed. This power allows the governor to shape the legislative agenda and address pressing issues that arise between regular sessions.

In conclusion, while the governor does not directly propose legislation, their power to request consideration of proposed bills gives them significant influence over the legislative process in Missouri. The governor's role in considering and acting on bills, as well as convening special sessions, ensures their active participation in shaping the state's laws.

Bills are assigned a number and read for the first time

In Missouri, a bill is introduced by any senator or representative during the session. Bills 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 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.

In St. Louis, Missouri, bills are introduced (first read) during the Board of Aldermen meeting, which is held every Friday at 10 a.m. in Room 230. The President then assigns each bill to one of 15 committees. There is no discussion on the Bill during this introduction phase—it is just formally read before the members of the Board and in public.

In Springfield, Missouri, citizens, city staff, or council members suggest an ordinance that may resolve a problem or address a concern. An ordinance is then prepared by the City Attorney, City Clerk, or the department responsible for the ordinance, with legal assistance from the City Attorney. The ordinance is introduced by a council member and may be sent to one of four council committees for a recommendation.

The committee may report the bill with the recommendation that it do pass

In Missouri, a bill may be introduced by any senator or representative during a session. It is then 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.

Once the bill has been assigned to a committee, a public hearing is held, during which the bill is presented by its sponsor, and both proponents and opponents are heard. After the hearing, the committee meets to vote and make its recommendations. The committee may report the bill with the recommendation that it "do pass", which means that they are recommending that the bill be passed without any changes.

If a bill is reported favorably by the committee, 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 the committee has recommended any amendments, these are first presented, debated, and voted on. Further amendments may then be proposed by other members. When all amendments have been considered, a motion is made to declare the bill perfected. If a majority of members vote in favour, the bill is reprinted in its original or amended form.

After perfection and reprinting, the bill goes on the calendar for a third reading and final passage. When the bill is reached in the order of business, any member may speak for or against its passage, but no further amendments of a substantive nature can be offered. A recorded vote is then taken, and approval of a constitutional majority of elected members is required for final passage.

Frequently asked questions