Drafting and Introduction
The Senators and Delegates meet with their constituents to
develop proposals to be introduced as bills. They work
with the legislative staff to draft a bill that would create
a new law or change the current law. In January, when the
General Assembly meets in Richmond, the Senators and Delegates
introduce their bills in their respective houses.
Committee Action
After a bill is introduced, it is referred to the appropriate
standing committee. In the Senate, bills are referred by
the Clerk of the Senate. In the House, bills are referred
by the Speaker. The standing committees have meetings or
conduct public hearings to address the bills referred to
them. In these meetings, legislators and the public may
present their opinions on the bill. After listening to
the testimony, the committee will vote to recommend the
passage or defeat of the bill. They may also offer changes
(called amendments) at this time. If the committee recommends
passage of the bill, it then goes before the entire Senate
and House for consideration.
Floor Action
In accordance with our state Constitution, the title of the
bill must be read on the Senate and House floor three times.
The bill may be amended after it has been read a second
time. The bill may be debated on the third reading. A final
vote is taken after the third reading. If the bill passes,
it is then sent to the other body where it follows a similar
process of committee action, floor debate, and voting.
If the bill passes both houses without any amendments,
it then goes to the Governor. If the bill is amended, it
is then returned to the body from which it originated for
approval. If each house insists on its own form of the
bill, a committee of conference is usually created. A compromise
report from the committee is sent to each house for approval,
then sent to the Governor.
Governor’s
Action
The
Governor may:
• sign
the bill into law.
• take no action and after a specified time, the bill becomes law without
his signature.
• amend the bill and return it to the General Assembly.
• veto the bill and return it to the General Assembly. If the bill is
vetoed, the House of Delegates and Senate may override the Governor’s
veto with approval of two-thirds of the members of both houses
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