1. Bill Process
The following are simplified steps of how a bill becomes a law in California:
Authoring the bill: A legislator introduces a bill by sending the idea and language to the Legislative Counsel’s Office.
Drafting the bill: The Legislative Counsel drafts the bill into its final form.
Introduction: The bill is read on the floor of the house and sent to the Office of State Printing.
Approval: The bill must be approved by policy and fiscal committees in both the Senate and Assembly, and receive enough votes from both houses.
Governor’s decision: The bill is sent to the Governor, who may veto it or sign it into law.
