Ka Wai Ola - Office of Hawaiian Affairs, Volume 9, Number 1, 1 January 1992 — Many steps before bill becomes a law [ARTICLE]

Many steps before bill becomes a law

Gcncral pattcrn The following is a step-by-step process by whieh a bill becomes law. For eaeh step, a brief description is given. For a more detailed analysis, refer to "Hawaii Legislators' Handbook," by Richard Kahle, Jr.; LRB, 1983. Bill is drafted 1 . By legislator or legislative support staff . Bill is introduced 1. Bill is given to clerk who assigns it a number. 2. Bill is printed. First reading 1. Passes without formal reading (perfunctory passage). 2. Referred to standing committee. Committee hearings 1. Notice is posted. 2. Hearing held, testimony taken.

3. Chair will either recommend that the bill passes out of committee or is held. 4. If it is passed, it is often with amendments with a Senate or House draft. 5. Committee report is drafted and may be referred to the second committee (in a double referral) or to the floor for second reading. Second reading 1. Usually read by title only. 2. May generate debate. 3. Voted on. 4. lf passed, may be placed on calendar for third reading. Final decking 1. Last day to deck bills for final reading. Final reading in both houses 1. May be debated and then voted on. Review by the governor

1 . May sign into law 2. May veto 3. May let bill "lapse" into law without signature Reconsideration of veto by Legislature 1. May override governor's veto by a 2/3 vote in eaeh house. (Publication of law in Session Laws and Hawaii Revised Statutes.) To track a bill the following number may be useful. Legislative Reference Library-587-0666 Chief Clerk of the Senate-586-6720 Chief Clerk of the House-586-6584 During renovation of the Capitol, all state offices are in temporary quarters at 235 So. Beretania St., in the Leiopapa A Kamehameha building whieh is across the street from Washington Plaee, the Governor's official residence, and St. Andrew's Cathedral.