How does an idea become a law?

Each year, the Utah Association of Special Districts is involved in the state’s General Legislative Session, representing the interests of all districts statewide. The goal of the UASD is to protect the interests of districts by working with legislators to positively influence the legislative process on behalf of districts and the citizens whom we serve. We invite, encourage, and welcome the involvement of all districts in the legislative process. But how does an idea become a law?

There are many steps between a legislator’s idea and a bill being signed into law. In fact, each year only about 50-65% of all proposed bills become law. The Utah Legislative website has an informative resource to explain the process online.

A legislator may glean ideas from constituents, organizations, lobbyists and other government leaders.

An idea is submitted to the Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel, a nonpartisan legislative staff office, as a bill request. An attorney reviews existing law, researches the issues and prepares the bill in proper form. The bill is given a number and reviewed for statutory or constitutional concerns. A fiscal review is conducted and a fiscal note is attached. A fiscal note is an estimate of costs, savings and/or revenue gains or losses that may result from a bill.

At this point, the bill is introduced into the Legislature and referred to the Rules Committee, which assigns it to the appropriate standing committee. In an open meeting, the standing committee reviews the bill and invites public testimony. The committee reports the bill favorably, favorably with amendments, substituted or that the bill has been tabled.

The bill is debated in an open Legislative session where the bill can be amended, substituted or circled (held). In order for a bill to pass, it needs at least 38 votes in the House of Representatives and at least 15 votes in the Senate. Once a bill has passed, it is signed by the Senate President and the Speaker of the House. The Office of Legislative Research and General Counsel prepares the bill in final form (the enrolled bill), and it is sent to the Governor for his action. He can either sign the bill, veto it or allow it to become law without his signature. A bill enacted by the Legislature becomes law 60 days following adjournment (this year May 4) unless another date is specified in the bill.

Considering the time it takes for a bill to finally be voted on, it is not surprising that many bills are approved in the final week. To learn more about UASD’s work at the state legislature, go to this link.