Civic Education Key to Public Participation
Civic education is essential to upholding the principles of democracy in America. A democratic society must rely on people’s knowledge, skill and interpretation of the law in order to govern themselves efficiently. The primary opportunity for most American citizens to acquire the knowledge and dispositions essential for informed, effective citizenship is during their school years. Civic education, therefore, is vital to the preservation and improvement of American constitutional democracy.
More than ever, children need to become informed about how a democracy operates and what it takes to preserve a democratic government. In a time when outside influences threaten to disassemble American ideals, it is imperative that civic education is stressed as a necessary tool for informing Americans of the values and principles of a free society.
The West Virginia Legislature realizes the importance of civic education and offers a variety of programs and publications to promote it. The Page Program, Children’s Day, a Children’s Website and “How a Bill Becomes Law,” which is a publication that teaches the process of law making, all provide assistance when trying to gain a better understanding of how state government operates.
The Page Program offers West Virginia youth the opportunity to help aid in the legislative process. They perform a variety of tasks including observing the floor sessions of both House and Senate. They do work for both Delegates and Senators, which includes delivering documents and running errands. This program offers children a chance to witness legislation and the process by which the Legislative Branch works.
The Legislature also has a Children’s Day on February 19th that promotes civic education. Children are encouraged to visit the Capitol Complex, meet with their representatives and witness the lawmaking process. This allows children to gain a better understanding of what goes on inside of the Capitol
and how laws are made. Students are encouraged to visit the Legislature while in session, whether it be as part of Children’s Day or through school field trips and family visits.
The children’s website offered by the Legislature is a very informative site that provides detailed information in regard to lawmaking. The site offers a variety of exercises including historical trivia and State Capitol facts. The site also provides information about the three branches of government as well as a “did you know section.” To access the website go to www. legis.state.wv.us.
The Legislature also publishes a brochure titled, “How a Bill Becomes Law,”as part of the WV Legislature’s Kids Club. This is a informative publication on the steps a bill goes through before it becomes law. It is important that children learn this process because laws are ideas that can help to make a positive change in people’s lives. The brochure offers comprehensive pictures and detailed information that explains the process, so children can easily learn the path a bill takes to becoming law.
The teaching of civic education is very important. Young people need to become informed on how a democratic society operates and maintains itself in order to improve the process. Children must be guided by those values and principles of a democratic society and act upon them to preserve the democratic way of life in our communities and nation.
In the House
As of 4 p.m., Wednesday, February 5, 2003, the 29th day of the 2003 Regular Legislative Session, 879 bills have been introduced in the House of Delegates. Of those, the following 16 were passed by the House this week, including nine Sunset Bills, and will now go to the Senate for its consideration:
House Bill 2155 would cap tuition increases at public colleges, community colleges and universities. An increase in any year would not exceed 3 percent unless the Higher Education Policy Commission (HEPC) is satisfied by a particular institution’s necessity, in which case the HEPC could authorize an institution to increase tuition a maximum of 5 percent. This cap would not apply to tuition rates for non-resident or medical students.
House Bill 2301 would provide, through a maintenance bond, funding for necessary care of animals seized because of allegations of neglect. This bill would require that magistrate courts, upon finding probable cause, award custody of the animal to any humane officer for further disposition. The owner of the animal would be required to post a bond with the court within five days following the court’s finding of probable cause.
House Bill 2512 relates to competitive bidding and notice requirements for the development of natural resources in which the Public Land Corporation has an interest. This bill would impose additional public notice requirements and require a public hearing before the Public Land Corporation enters into a lease or contract for the mining or drilling of minerals, gas or oil.
House Bill 2693 would provide the West Virginia State Police with the ability to define and draw DNA samples from convicted
felons for the purpose of maintaining a DNA database. This bill would allow the State Police to require any person convicted of a felony offense after July 1, 2003 to provide a DNA sample to be used for DNA analysis.
House Bill 2694 would protect the beekeeping industry by authorizing the Commissioner of the Department of Agriculture to seize, destroy, treat, return or stop the delivery of all appliances, bees, bee equipment, products or hives transported into or within West Virginia that are found to be infected with honey bee pests.
House Bill 2704 would have West Virginia become a member of the Interstate Compact for Juveniles for the supervision and return of juvenile offenders or runaways. This new compact would not become effective until it has been adopted by 35 states.
House Bill 2781 relates to the transfer, retirement or disposal of State Police canines. This bill would authorize the Superintendent to transfer the ownership of State Police dogs who are determined to no longer be of use to the State Police. The dog could be transferred to the animal’s handler; to the care and custody of an animal shelter, humane society or society for the prevention of cruelty to animals; or, to another person who wishes to have the animal as a pet.
Sunset bills passed by the House
House Bill 2750 would continue the Office of Health Facility Licensure and Certification until July 1, 2007.
House Bill 2751 would continue the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources until July 1, 2004. House Bill 2752 would continue the Bureau of Senior Services until July 1, 2009.
House Bill 2778 would continue the West Virginia State Police until July 1, 2004.
House Bill 2779 would continue the Ron Yost Personal Assistance Services Program until July 1, 2006.
House Bill 2803 would continue the Board of Barbers and Cosmetologists until July 1, 2008.
House Bill 2829 would continue the Division of Culture and History until July 1, 2005.
House Bill 2830 would continue the Division of Natural Resources until July 1, 2004.
House Bill 2831 would continue the Records Management and Preservation Board until July 1, 2004.
A sampling of bills introduced in the House
House Bill 2826 would reduce the allowable blood alcohol content for driving under the influence from 0.10 to 0.08 of one percent of body weight.
House Bill 2832 would prohibit cloning of human beings and embryos. Anyone who violates these provisions would be guilty of a felony and, upon conviction, would be fined $5,000 to $10,000, and/or imprisoned for one to three years.
House Bill 2858 would secure the right of blind and visually impaired people to vote under the same conditions of privacy and independence as sighted people. This would be made possible by electronic voting technology and systems in accordance with certification criteria for equal access by visual and nonvisual means. The Secretary of State would be responsible for implementation of this procedure.
House Bill 2850 would provide protection for school employees who are being harassed. Persons who violate this proposal would be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, would be incarcerated in jail for 90 days-toone year, fined $2,000 to $5,000 or both. A second or subsequent conviction occurring within five years of a prior conviction would be a felony punishable by a one year to five year incarceration, a fine of $3,000 to $10,000 or both. This bill also allows restraining orders to be issued.
House Bill 2820 would provide for the adequate staffing of nursing homes and training of nursing home staff. This bill outlines specific ratios of staff to residents during all shifts of long term care facilities. These ratios would consist of minimum standards only and nursing homes would be permitted to employ additional staff as needed. This bill also would require a commission to assess the staffing ratios and standards outlined in this legislation. In addition, this bill would require nursing homes to post current staffing information, provide enhanced training requirements for nurse aides and provide a grant program for projects targeted at reducing employee turnover in nursing homes.
House Bill 2821 would provide an environment in hospitals where quality care can be provided to patients. The bill accomplishes this by allowing most employees involved in direct patient care activities or clinical services to refuse to work overtime, except in certain emergent situations.
House Bill 2804 would allow a municipal police officer to issue citations for misdemeanor offenses committed in his or her presence. This bill would allow municipal police to stop and cite reckless drivers outside the city limits when the officer is driving to or from magistrate or circuit court.
House Bill 2836 would require ATVs used off of private property to be registered with the Division of Motor Vehicles and to be subject to an annual registration fee of $10.
In the Senate
As of 4 p.m., Wednesday, February 5, 2003, the 29th day of the 2003 Regular Legislative Session, 460 bills have been introduced in the Senate. Of those, the following 11 were passed by the Senate this week and will now go to the House of Delegates for its consideration:
Senate Bill 100 would exempt barbers, beauticians and manicurists from continuing education classes. The measure would provide that continuing education classes would not be required for a renewal of licensure.
Senate Bill 162 would expunge certain motor vehicle license information for 19- year-olds. This legislation would wipe clean information regarding any license suspension or revocation related to nonattendance at school for persons 19 years of age or older.
Senate Bill 181 relates to compulsory school attendance and home school instruction. This measure would change the requirements for qualifying for the home school exemption, including: requiring that the child’s age and grade level be included with the notice of intent; adding a new assessment option that would explicitly allow home schooled students to participate in the public school testing program; under the alternative academic assessment option, requiring that criteria for acceptable progress be mutually agreed upon by the parent and county superintendent; and, for all assessment options, if a child does not make acceptable progress for two consecutive years, then the home instructor would be required to submit additional evidence that appropriate instruction is being provided, to name a few of the provisions.
Senate Bill 182 would meet federal standards for certain child passenger seats and safety devices. This bill would allow drivers transporting children who are at least four years old and weighing at least 40 pounds to be secured in a safety belt. Current law requires that a child between the ages of three and eight be secured by a safety belt but does not list a weight requirement.
Senate Bill 210 would permit retired State Police to carry concealed weapons for life. The bill states that after five years, the retired or medically discharged member must pay the costs of the bond for his or her permit. Current law permits retired members of the State Police to carry a concealed weapon for five years. This legislation would retain current language that would permit the Superintendent to suspend this privilege without recourse and also automatically revoke the privilege should the former State Police officer be convicted of a felony or a misdemeanor involving the use of a firearm.
Senate Bill 337 would simplify the process for adoption of children from foreign countries. The measure would provide a procedure for recognition of a foreign adoption decree by the filing of a petition, which would include copies of a home study and the foreign adoption decree. The court would be required to review the petition and supporting documentation and then enter an order recognizing the foreign adoption order. This order would then have the same force and effect as an adoption order entered in West Virginia.
Sunset bills passed by the Senate
Senate Bill 415 would continue the Environmental Quality Board until July 1, 2003.
Senate Bill 416 would continue the Massage Therapy Licensure Board until July 1, 2015.
Senate Bill 417 would continue the Commission for the Deaf and Hard-of Hearing until July 1, 2005.
Senate Bill 418 would continue the Investment Management Board until July 1, 2005.
Senate Bill 419 would continue the Governor’s Office of Fiscal Risk Analysis until July 1, 2004.
A sampling of bills introduced in the Senate
Senate Bill 409 would create an efficient and expeditious procedure for finalizing wrongful death settlements. The measure also would establish a procedure for resolving conflicting claims as to the appropriate distribution of wrongful death settlement proceeds among potential statutory beneficiaries.
Senate Bill 444 would establish the Emergency Medical Services Retirement System Act. The bill would provide the administration of this retirement system by the Consolidated Public Retirement Board.
Senate Bill 436 would direct the Public Service Commission (PSC) to implement the West Virginia 211 Information and Referral System for human and social services. This legislation would be in accordance with the recommendations of the PSC’s appointed task force as reported to the Legislature in 2002.
Senate Bill 452 would remove the requirement that substitute teachers work a certain amount for full-time employment, hiring and seniority. This measure would remove the requirement that substitute teachers work at least 133 days in a school year to count that employment toward seniority for full-time employment hiring purposes.
Senate Bill 431 would reduce the excise tax on gasoline and special fuel. The proposed legislation would reduce the excise tax by five cents ($0.05).
Senate Bill 401 would exempt veterans’ organizations from the consumers sales and service tax. The measure would allow this exemption for organizations where at least 85 percent of its members are past or present members of the United States armed forces and at least 98 percent of all members of the organization are past or present members of the United States armed forces, cadets (including only students in college or university ROTC programs or at armed services academies) or spouses, widows or widowers. The bill also states that no part of the net earnings is to the benefit of any private shareholder or individual.
Internship Program Offers Knowledge, Experience
Real-world experience is one of the hallmarks of learning. Recognizing this, the West Virginia Legislature created the Legislative Internship Program to give college and university students a chance to experience the inner workings of the State’s lawmaking process. The West Virginia Legislative Internship Program offers 70 internship positions in four separate programs. These programs allow interested students to gain valuable information about legislative functions and agency roles in state government.
The Rollins/Burk internships, named after the late Delegates Walter Rollins and Robert Burk, Jr., are available to students seeking a graduate degree in any major at an accredited in-state college or university. Rollins Scholars help individual Delegates or Senators prepare for floor sessions by researching issues and laws. Burk interns assist standing committee chairs and members of leadership by preparing bill abstracts and monitoring the legislative committee process. The Rollins/Burk programs offer a total of six internship positions.
Herndon Fellows, named after the late Senator Judith Herndon, gain direct experience of the legislative process by pairing with a Delegate or Senator. While attending the 60-day session, students work with their assigned legislator to draft legislation, research current law and understand the relationship between the executive and legislative branches. The Fellowship offers 10 positions to undergraduates of all majors who have completed at least 60 undergraduate hours.
For aspiring journalists the Legislative Public Information internship offers a variety of opportunities to work for members of both the House and the Senate. Interns work daily to update the Legislature’s web page with information about actions on both the House and Senate floors, write articles and summaries for the weekly publication Wrap-Up, and get a taste of the public relations aspect of public service by answering constituent requests and developing cutlines for in
house photographs. The internship offers four positions for graduates or undergraduates majoring in accredited journalism programs at the state universities.
Interns in the Frasure-Singleton program, named after the late West Virginia University Dean Emeritus Carl Frasure and the late Delegate Julius Singleton, spend a week at the Capitol and assist an individual Delegate or Senator. During that week interns shadow their assigned legislator and observe various aspects of the lawmaking process. Interns attend floor sessions, committee meetings and other legislative functions. The program offers 50 internships for sophomores and juniors of all majors who have completed at least one course of study in government.
All internships require that applicants be enrolled at a West Virginia college or university and that they be in good academic standing with that institution. While living in or commuting to Charleston, participants receive full-time credit hours, as well as a tuition waiver for their institution and a monthly stipend for housing.
Through the Legislative Internship Program, students gain a better understanding of West Virginia’s legislative process. It is the Legislature’s hope that these students will use that knowledge to promote to the public a better understanding of State government, the Legislature and the lawmaking process. For more information about the program, contact the Legislature toll-free at 1-877-56-LEGIS, or visit the Legislature’s Web site at www.legis.state.wv.us.
In the House
As of 4 p.m., Wednesday, January 29, 2003, the 22nd day of the 2003 Regular Legislative Session, 779 bills have been introduced in the House of Delegates. Five bills were passed by the House this week and will now go to the Senate for its consideration. Of those, four were Sunset Bills.
Engrossed Committee Substitute for House Bill 2090 would require the Ethics Commission to establish a code of conduct for state administrative law judges. The code of conduct would require the judges to avoid impropriety while maintaining the integrity and impartiality of the office, while both on and off duty. The code also would establish civil penalties and sanctions for violations.
Sunset bills passed by the House
Engrossed House Bill 2486 would continue the Public Employee’s Insurance Agency (PEIA) until July 1, 2005.
Engrossed House Bill 2554 would continue the Marketing and Development Division of the Department of Agriculture. This division regulates and licenses individuals involved in marketing of agricultural products, as well as providing grading, inspection, and market news services to the West Virginia agricultural industry.
Engrossed House Bill 2555 would continue West Virginia’s membership in the Southern Regional Education Compact. Membership in the Southern Regional Education Compact provides services to West Virginia, which include identifying best practices and predicting future trends in all member states, which assists West Virginia in determining the best allocation and use of resources so as to meet educational needs.
Engrossed House Bill 2670 would continue the Office of Judges until July 1, 2009. The Office of Judges is responsible for establishing procedures for the hearing and determining of disputed claims, as well as the delegation of necessary powers to administrative law judges or hearing examiners so the administrative review of disputed claims can be conducted.
A sampling of bills introduced in the House
House Bill 2671 would simplify the process for adopting a child from a foreign country. The bill would set forth a specific process by which people wishing to adopt a child from another country must follow to have the adoption recognized by the state.
House Bill 2674 would require the Governor’s Cabinet on Children and Families to develop and implement a pilot plan establishing a system of family resource centers and provide grants to local centers.
House Bill 2741 would establish a Citizen Review Panel to evaluate the procedures of Child Protective Services. The 15-member panel would consist of doctors, lawyers, child advocates, social service providers and other specialized individuals. All information garnered by the panel would be confidential.
House Bill 2558 would require that a public utilities company have a place where a person can make a payment somewhere within the county where the company provides service.
House Bill 2546 would modify the criminal intent requirement for animal cruelty crimes and to increase the fine applicable to convicted persons. The bill would create a felony offense for intentionally torturing or maliciously killing animals and would mandate that a person convicted of animal cruelty be prohibited from possessing, owning or residing with animals for varying periods depending on whether the person is convicted of a misdemeanor or felony.
House Bill 2693 would provide the West Virginia State Police with the ability to define and draw DNA samples from convicted felons for the purpose of maintaining a DNA database. Anyone convicted of a felony offense would be subject to have some form of blood, tissue or other bodily fluids taken as a sample for the purpose of analyzing and filing away the DNA information.
House Bill 2691 would authorize nonlicensed personnel to administer medication in nursing homes.
House Bill 2527 would establish the “Clean Elections Act”. This measure would create a voluntary system of public funding to qualified political candidates who agree to accept spending limits and do no other private fund raising.
House Bill 2528 would create a 10-member flood task force and nine-member advisory panel. The task force would establish policies for the coordination of local, state and federal governmental responses to flooding, as well as examine flood prevention initiatives and review the status of flood mapping.
House Bill 2533 would create the West Virginia Highway Authority (WVHA), which would include representatives from Cabell, Mason, Jackson, Putnam and Wayne counties. The purpose of the WVHA would be to advance the construction of a modern highway through Cabell, Mason, Jackson, Putnam and Wayne counties, as well as improving the tourism industry in the area.
House Bill 2688 would gradually eliminate the consumer sales tax on food and food products sold for human consumption when the food is taken off the premises where sold.
House Bill 2748 would prevent mail order or Internet sales of cigarettes or tobacco products to persons under the age of 18. The bill also would establish criteria for verifying the ages of potential customers.
In the Senate
As of 4 p.m., Wednesday, January 29, 2003, the 22nd day of the 2003 Regular Legislative Session, 399 bills have been introduced in the Senate. Of those, the following 15 were passed by the Senate this week and will now go to the House for its consideration:
Engrossed Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 39 would make a false alarm a felony in certain cases. For example, this bill would not include any juvenile who pulls a false alarm; although, appropriate sanctions would be applied to the vandal.
Engrossed Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 109 would allow judges and magistrates to place third parties on notice of provisions of an order affecting the care and education of a child if the judge or magistrate finds that a third party has reason to be made aware of the specifics of a provision in an order.
Engrossed Senate Bill 120 would change the qualification rank for Adjutant General to Lieutenant. More specifically, this bill would change the appointment qualification for adjutant general from major general to lieutenant general.
Engrossed Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 178 would make clarifications to the Code section pertaining to the subject matter jurisdiction of the Family Court. It would implicitly indicate that the court has jurisdiction of child and spousal support as well as distribution of property.
Engrossed Senate Bill 186 would define “aggrieved persons” for purposes of judicial review of a decision of the Board of Zoning. An “aggrieved person” means a person who is denied the relief sought or suffers a peculiar injury, prejudice or inconvenience beyond that of the other residents of the county or municipality.
Engrossed Senate Bill 189 would allow an out-of-state bank that is seeking to acquire or establish a West Virginia branch to send a required written notice to the Banking Commissioner. This would provide the home-state regulator with an extra copy of the branch application so it can be delivered to the West Virginia Division of Banking.
Engrossed Senate Bill 190 would increase the frequency of the required examinations of books and records of certain financial institutions. Namely, those financial institutions with assets of more than $250,000,000 and those with a composite rating of either three, four, or five. This would track current practices consistent with cooperative agreements with federal regulators.
Engrossed Committee Substitute for Senate Bill 191 would eliminate the need for a hearing before the Commissioner of Banking in those cases in which a state chartered credit union seeks to convert to a federal charter. It also would change the required notice from the current seven to 30 days to 14 to 60 days prior to the meeting and it would eliminate certain present Code provisions governing the conversion of a West Virginia state-chartered credit union to a charter from another state.
Engrossed Senate Bill 192 would require a bank holding company intending to change its status to a financial holding company to give the West Virginia Commissioner of Banking notice of the intended change by submitting copies of the federal filings.
Engrossed Senate Bill 205 would modify criminal intent for animal cruelty crimes; fines. This bill would change the mental state for the crime of killing, injuring or poisoning an animal by adding “knowingly” or “recklessly” to the mental state.
Engrossed Senate Bill 215 would make supplementary appropriations to the Department of Health and Human Resources’ Health Care Authority.
Sunset bills passed by the Senate
Engrossed Senate Bill 281 would continue the Department of Environmental Protection.
Engrossed Senate Bill 282 would continue the Division of Motor Vehicles.
Engrossed Senate Bill 283 would continue the Public Service Commission.
Engrossed Senate Bill 284 would continue the Division of Purchasing within the Department of Administration.
A sampling of bills introduced in the Senate
Senate Bill 362 would establish the Public/Private Transportation Act of 2003. This act would provide prerequisites for the development of a transportation facility. It also would provide for the creation of a Public Private Transportation Oversight Committee.
Senate Bill 366 would authorize police to obtain a warrant to secure a blood sample from a person suspected of DUI. The law enforcement agency that employs the officer would designate which type of secondary test is to be administered. If the person arrested refuses, the law enforcement officer making the arrest shall designate either a breath or urine test.
Senate Bill 383 relates to the powers of the Alcohol Beverage Control Administration. This bill would permit the ABCA Commissioner to sell the Putnam County warehouse at terms of his/her choice and purchase a new one with the proceeds from and approval of the Governor.
Senate Bill 368 would lower the retirement age for certain state troopers. It would allow a member to retire with full benefits upon attaining the age of 50 and completing 20 or more years of service.
Senate Bill 370 would allow certain vehicle auxiliary lighting devices when vehicles are used off road. This bill would require that the devices be turned off and covered when the motor vehicle is operated on a road or highway.
Senate Bill 390 would remove the requirement that a social security number appear on commercial driver’s licenses. It also would require that the commercial driver’s license must be marked “Commercial Driver’s License” or “CDL,” and must be tamper proof.
Senate Bill 373 would require that businesses pay personal property taxes to receive a business registration certificate. It also would require sheriffs to notify delinquent personal property owners and require the Tax Commissioner to suspend or refuse to issue a business registration certificate where business has not paid delinquent personal property taxes.
Senate Bill 379 would establish a panel to review procedures of child protective services. This bill would list the duties of membership, provide confidentiality requirements and provide immunity from liability.
Senate Bill 398 would exempt the interest on savings bonds from personal income tax in certain cases. This bill would include those people who are 65 and older.
Senate Bill 399 would provide for criminal history checks for certain people working with children on school property. This bill would require criminal history checks for people who are not employed by county boards of education but who work directly with children in grades kindergarten through 12 on school property.
From Idea to Legislation, Compromise, & Law
With the 2003 Legislative Session underway, many people are becoming increasingly interested in current issues being tackled by lawmakers. Gaining an understanding of the legislative process is a key component in following the path of bills; however, tracking pieces of legislation can oftentimes become overwhelming for those who are unfamiliar with the intricacies of the legislative process.
By simply having an idea, all West Virginians can become involved in State Government. This is where the law-making process begins. A citizen, corporation, professional association, non-profit group or even a governmental agency can all vocalize their suggestions to a legislator.
Once proposed to a lawmaker, the bill must then be sponsored by one or more members. In the House, seven sponsors are limited to each bill or amendment while the Senate has no limit on numbers of sponsors.
After the bill is drafted, it is numerically identified and assigned to one or more committees by the Senate President or the Speaker of the House. The bill is then formally introduced in the appropriate chamber and committee references are announced.
After a committee concludes its work on the bill, it files a written report. This report can make “no recommendations”, propose that the bill “be rejected” or suggest the bill “do pass” in its original form, “with amendment(s)” offered by the committee; or, as a “committee substitute”.
Committees have the option to not review a bill or to not recommend the bill to the full membership. When this happens, the bill “dies in committee.”
Once the bill is reported out of the committee, it is then presented to the appropriate clerk, who reads the bill’s short title on the floor.
According to the State Constitution, a bill must be read three times before it can either pass or be rejected. The first reading is the information stage and notifies the membership that the bill will be considered. Once the bill advances to second reading, it is in the amendment stage and members may offer revisions and vote on proposed amendments. The bill then advances to third reading, which is the passage stage.
(Note: *There are times when the Legislature may look to suspend the Constitutional requirements that a bill be read on three separate days. This usually occurs when time is a factor. Any member can object to the suspension of rules and a vote of four-fifths is needed to dispense the rule.)
If a bill is passed by one house, it is sent to the other body for its consideration. The entire process, from committee assignments to the voting stage, is repeated.
The second chamber can make changes to the legislation. If this occurs, the bill must be sent back to its house of origin for concurrence. If the first chamber disagrees with the changes and the second body refuses to remove the revisions it made, a conference committee is appointed by the Speaker of the House or the Senate President. This committee consists of an equal number of representatives from both houses who iron out the differences.
If this committee reaches agreement, the House and Senate must adopt the conference committee report and once again vote on the passage of the bill. When a compromise cannot be achieved, another conference committee may be appointed or the measure dies in committee upon the Legislature’s adjournment.
Upon passage by both bodies, the bill is then sent to the Governor, who has five days to approve or veto a bill when the Legislature is in session. When session has ended, the Governor has 15 days to act on most bills before him; but, he must act on the Budget Bill and supplemental appropriation bills within five days. If the Governor does not act on bills within these time limits, the measures automatically become law without his signature.
The Governor has the option to veto bills when the Legislature is in session. When this occurs, a simple majority vote of the members is required to override the veto; however, when the Budget Bill or supplemental appropriation bills are vetoed, a two-thirds vote is necessary to overturn the action.
Thank you for your interest in the workings of the State Legislature. Community involvement is the foundation of State Government; so, be sure to follow bills on their path to becoming law during this year’s session.