New Law is a term used to describe laws passed by Congress and other legislative bodies. It also refers to a law that is passed, enacted, and signed into effect by the President of the United States.
In the Senate, legislation is passed in the form of bills. A bill is a written proposal for a new law or an amendment to an existing law. An idea for a bill can come from many sources, including a senator’s constituents, a citizen group calling for change, or State officials. Once a bill is proposed, it must be drafted by a member of the Senate staff or by outside counsel. The drafters of a bill are known as the authors or sponsors. The sponsor of a bill may be joined by cosponsors.
A bill is in committee when it has not yet been debated or voted on by the full Senate. A committee report is prepared on the bill by its staff. The report explains the purpose and scope of the bill. If the bill is to be recommended for approval by the committee, a section-by-section analysis is provided. If the bill is to be amended, all of the amendments are included in the committee’s recommendation.
Once a bill has been passed by both houses of the Legislature, it becomes a statute. The Governor has 10 days to sign a bill or to veto it. If the Governor does not sign or veto a bill within the 10-day period, it becomes law. If the Governor vetoes a bill, two-thirds of the members of both houses must vote to override the veto.