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How a Bill Becomes a Law

There are many steps on the way to a bill becoming a law. First, a legislator must propose a new law or changes to existing law. That bill must then pass both the Assembly and the Senate (often going through multiple committees in each) before it reaches the Governor's desk. The Governor must sign the bill in order for it to become law.

The legislative process, while complex, can be simplified to a series of votes and actions. Families That Can and the California Charter Schools Association carefully keep track of bills that would affect charter schools and we will keep you updated on how to be involved.

1. Introduction-- A Legislator introduces a bill.
2. First reading in house of origin (Assembly or Senate).
3. Rules committee assigns the bill to committee. The bill may not be heard by committee until 31 days after introduction.
4. Committee hearings: policy and, if fiscal, appropriations. Testimony is heard by the bill author, citizens, experts and lobbyists. The committee can hold the bill, pass the bill, pass the bill with amendments, or defeat the bill.
5. Second reading in house of origin.
6. Third reading and vote by the full house. If the bill is passed, it moves to the opposite house and steps 3-6 are repeated in the other legislative house.
7. If the bill passes the other legislative house without amendments, the bill goes to the Governor's desk. The law can be signed into law, become law without a signature, or be vetoed. If the bill passes the opposite house with amendments, the bill returns to the house of origin for a concurrence vote. If there is not concurrence on the floor of the house of origin, a conference committee comprised of three Senators and three Assemblymembers meets to work out the differences. If not, the measure is defeated.
8. If a bill is vetoed, the Legislature has 60 days to override the veto with a two thirds vote in each house.

Glossary of Legislative Terms

How to Look up a Bill

You can find the full text of any currently proposed bill, as well as any votes taken on it to date, who propose the bill and other details on the California State Senate website. You can also look up any section of current California State Law.

Watch laws get made

Even if you don't live in Sacramento, you can tune in live to see what is happening in the Senate and Assembly at the online California Channel.

More Resources

• Find your elected representative.
• Tips for an Effective Meeting with your Legislator
• Outreach Ideas for Every Season
• Visit the Training section of our web site.