Tools for Legislative Action

An Encouraging Primer

A Sample Letter

Tips About Letters

Calling Your Representative

Who Represents You?

The Legislative Process

Basic Tips for Action


Basics of the Legislative Process: In Pictures
(Process and terminology may vary slightly from state to state)

For you verbal folks, click here for a written explanation.

 

 

In a bicameral legislature (most states—with the notable exception of Nebraska—have two houses of the legislature, generally, a “House” and “Senate”) the bill may simultaneously go through the equivalent process in the other chamber, or may automatically proceed to the other chamber after passage in the first.

Governor's Signature: The final version of the bill as passed by both chambers must be signed by the governor to become law.

Lifespan: Each legislative session starts with a clean slate; bills not voted on in the previous session must be reintroduced to be active.

 

 

 

Many thanks to Citizens for Midwifery for material adapted from their web site. Click here to go there for a lot of other great information and contact to others in your community who are interested in birth issues.

© Patchworks Productions, 2001
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