Cecily Zamora
Changing laws is a complex process that varies across different jurisdictions. In the United States, for instance, laws are made through a legislative process involving the House of Representatives and the Senate, with the President having the power to approve or veto bills. Citizens play a crucial role in this process by advocating for new laws or amendments to existing ones. This can be done by contacting legislators, tracking and supporting relevant bills, and engaging with lawmakers to introduce new legislation. Additionally, building public support through media attention, petitions, and storytelling can increase the likelihood of success in getting a law changed. Understanding the specific processes and stakeholders involved in the legislative process is essential for individuals seeking to initiate or influence legal changes.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| How to request a new law | Contact a legislator by phone, email, or snail-mail. |
| When to request a new law | Legislators can only request new bills during the Fall of each year. |
| How to track a bill | Follow its progress through the Legislature. |
| How to support a bill | Show up at public hearings, contact elected officials, and write letters to editors. |
| Who to work with to get a law changed | Elected representatives are the best ones to introduce new laws or changes on your behalf. |
| How to get media attention | Craft a press release, get interviews with journalists, and tell your story. |
| How to work with lawmakers | Once you’ve got some support behind your idea, engage the lawmakers you researched. |
| How a bill becomes a law | The president approves the bill and signs it into law, or refuses to approve it (a veto). Congress can vote to override a veto. |
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What You'll Learn
Identify the law's origin: local, state, or national government
The first step in changing a law is identifying the origin of the law you want to change. Is it a local, state, or national government law? This is important because the process of changing a law differs depending on which level of government created it.
Local laws are often created by a city or town council. For example, a local ordinance on tethering pets outdoors would be changed through your city or town council. Local laws are often the product of local legislative bodies, such as a city council or county commission. These laws are typically specific to a particular municipality or region within a state.
State laws, on the other hand, are created by state legislatures, which are made up of elected representatives who consider matters brought forth by the governor or introduced by its members to create legislation that becomes law. State laws apply across the entire state and can cover a wide range of issues, such as criminal justice, education, and environmental protection.
Federal laws, or national government laws, are created by Congress, which is the lawmaking branch of the federal government in the United States. Federal laws apply across the entire country and cover areas such as taxation, interstate commerce, and national security. Federal tax-related laws, for example, can only be introduced in the House of Representatives.
It is important to note that the process of changing a law can vary depending on the specific government structure and legislative processes in your country or state. However, understanding whether the law you want to change is local, state, or federal is a crucial first step in navigating the path to changing it.
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Contact legislators via phone, email, or snail mail
Contacting legislators is a great way to get your voice heard and influence the laws that govern your community. Legislators can only request new bills during the fall of each year, so be mindful of the timing when reaching out with your ideas. Here are some detailed steps to guide you through the process of contacting legislators via phone, email, or snail mail:
Phone Calls
When calling your legislator, be concise and clear about the issue you're passionate about. If your idea is complex, consider asking for a meeting to discuss it in detail. You can find the contact information for your local legislators, including mayors and county executives, by searching online. Websites like USAGov provide contact information for city, county, and town officials, making it easier for you to reach out.
Emails
When sending an email, it's important to address your legislator respectfully and clearly state your name, the issue you care about, and the specific action you would like them to take. Include your return postal mailing address in the email, especially if you're contacting a Senate committee or chair. This ensures they can get back to you.
Snail Mail
If you prefer to send a letter via snail mail, use the standard address format: "The Honorable [Name], United States Senate, Washington, DC 20510." Again, don't forget to include your return address. A well-written letter can make a strong impression, especially if it includes a clear and concise explanation of the change you want to see and why it's important. Consider including a personal story to help legislators understand the real-life impact of the law.
Regardless of the method you choose, it's essential to do your research beforehand. Understand whether the law you want to change is a local, state, or national issue, as this will determine whom you contact. Your elected representatives are the key to introducing new laws or changes, so find out who represents you and where they stand on your issue. Remember, your voice matters, and by contacting legislators, you're taking an active role in shaping the laws that affect your community.
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Work with lawmakers to draft a bill
To change a law, one must first understand the legislative process and the steps required to get a bill passed. In the United States, the process of changing a law differs depending on whether it is a local, state, or federal law. For instance, a local ordinance on tethering pets outdoors can be changed through your city or town council, while state laws are changed through the state legislature, and federal laws are amended through Congress.
Once you have identified the relevant legislative body, it is important to research the lawmakers and elected representatives who can introduce new laws or changes on your behalf. Reach out to them via phone, email, or snail mail, and if your idea is complex, request a meeting to discuss your thoughts in detail. You can also engage with them on social media or through letters to raise awareness for your cause. Legislators can only request new bills during the fall, so it is important to be patient as you wait for your idea to be introduced as a bill in January, after which public hearings and votes will begin.
When working with lawmakers to draft a bill, it is essential to understand the structure and content of a bill. The Office of the Legislative Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives provides a guide to legislative drafting, which outlines the following key components:
- State the main message
- Describe exceptions and special rules
- Include transitional rules, definitions, and an effective date (if applicable)
- Address "Authorization of appropriations" provisions (if needed)
- Decide if the bill should be a "freestanding" statement or amend an existing statute
- Use quotation marks for material being added to an existing statute
Additionally, when working with lawmakers, it is important to follow up and stay updated on the progress of your bill. Know when it gets introduced, goes to committee, and gets voted on. Keep your supporters informed so they can show up and voice their support during public hearings and votes.
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Build support through media attention and public awareness
Media attention and public awareness are crucial for building support to change laws. Here are some strategies to achieve this:
Craft a Compelling Narrative: Create a narrative that resonates with your target audience. Share personal stories, experiences, and emotions to humanize the issue. Make people feel invested in your cause. For instance, if you're advocating for a law to address elder neglect, share stories of elders struggling and highlight the impact on their lives.
Engage with Traditional Media: Reach out to journalists and offer them newsworthy stories, human interest pieces, or updates on your campaign. Provide them with information, statistics, and local angles to make it relevant to a broader audience. Offer interviews and collaborate on articles to raise awareness for your cause. Remember that journalists are looking for compelling stories, so give them a reason to care about your issue.
Utilize Press Releases and Briefings: Write and distribute press releases to announce important developments, milestones, or events related to your campaign. Provide briefings and commentaries to journalists to educate them about your issue. Make sure your press releases have catchy headlines and clear, concise information about your cause.
Leverage Social Media and Online Platforms: Use social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to your advantage. Create dedicated pages or groups to share updates, engage supporters, and spread awareness. Use hashtags effectively to join relevant conversations and expand your reach. Collaborate with influencers or celebrities who support your cause to further amplify your message.
Produce Audiovisual Content: Create videos, documentaries, or podcasts to visually convey your message. Share these on social media platforms, YouTube, or even local television networks. Visual content can be a powerful way to engage and educate your audience, helping them understand complex issues more easily.
Network and Build Relationships: Attend public events, conferences, workshops, and meetings related to your cause. Network with people who share your interests and build a community of supporters. Engage with local communities, decision-makers, and authorities to raise awareness and gain their support. The more people you connect with, the wider your message will spread.
Use Visual Tools and Merchandise: Create visually appealing merchandise such as stickers, logos, t-shirts, armbands, or bracelets that symbolize your cause. Visual tools can spark curiosity, initiate conversations, and help spread your message organically.
Identify Target Audience: Understand who you need to reach to achieve your goals. Identify key decision-makers, local authorities, parliamentarians, or vulnerable groups that are most relevant to your cause. Tailor your message and communication channels accordingly to ensure your target audience receives your information.
Collaborate with Lawmakers: Once you have gained some traction, collaborate with lawmakers who can help introduce or sponsor your bill. Engage with those who represent your area or share your values. Keep them updated on your progress and work together to draft a bill that incorporates your desired changes.
Provide Regular Updates: Keep your supporters informed throughout your campaign. Update them on the progress of your bill, when it will be introduced and comes up for a vote. This will help maintain momentum and ensure your supporters can take action when it matters most.
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Track the bill's progress and encourage supporters to attend hearings and votes
Tracking a bill's progress is an important part of the legislative process. Legislators can only request new bills during the Fall, so if you have a new idea, you may need to wait several months before it can be proposed. Bills are then introduced in January, which is when public hearings and votes begin. You can track a bill's progress through the Legislature by using the bill number to search for it on the Legislature's website. You can also sign up to receive alerts for subject areas and bills assigned to committees. This way, you can stay informed about the legislative activity of your representative and senators.
Once you are tracking a bill's progress, you can encourage supporters to attend public hearings and votes. This can be done by building a sense of community and joy among supporters and making your case in an inviting and inspiring way. You can also target people's "group membership", such as unions or religious groups, to encourage members to show up. It is also important to reach out to new supporters and empower your base to act independently, such as by canvassing or creating social media content. Offering incentives, especially in local elections, can also help to sustain enthusiasm throughout the campaign season.
To make it easy for supporters to attend hearings and votes, you can provide them with resources such as voting registration cards. You can also encourage supporters to help register others to vote. This can be done by going door-to-door or by providing online resources. By combining these strategies, you can maximize your efforts and increase the likelihood of your bill's success.
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Frequently asked questions
You can contact a legislator by phone, email, snail mail, or in person. If your idea is complex, it may be better to ask for a meeting to talk through your thoughts. Legislators can only request new bills during the Fall, so you may have to wait before your idea can be proposed.
You should follow its progress through the Legislature. You can also show up at public hearings to voice support for your bill, contact your elected officials and urge them to vote for the bill, and write a letter to raise awareness of your bill.
Your legislator might be able to introduce your idea as an amendment to that bill.
You can craft a press release, get interviews with journalists, and tell your story.
