A bill is a proposed ___ or idea that any citizen can have. A bill may also repeal a current law. It can also change, or _____ a current law.
Any one can have the idea for a proposed law, but only a member of the ______ or the _____ __ _________ may sponsor a bill.
Once a citizen has discussed their proposal with their legislator, that lawmaker would have the proposal written in the appropriate ____ ____ by a legislative staff lawyer. Upon completion, the lawmaker will file the bill for introduction with the ______ office, who in turns, assigns the bill a number.
During the next day's session, the bill is introduced and referred to its appropriate _________ by either the _______ or the _________. For example, if the bill is about education, then it will be referred to the education committee; if the bill is about crime, then it will be referred to the judiciary committee.
The committee will study the bill and make any necessary changes by ________ the bill. After the committee makes its recommendation for passage, a message is sent to the floor with its recommendation.
Only after the message from the committee is read to the full membership can it be placed on _____ _______. The West Virginia Constitution requires a bill be read on three separ ate days. After the bill is read for the first time, it will advance to second reading, usually the next day.
When the bill is read for the second time, it is also the _________ stage. Whichever body the bill is being read in, any member of that body may offer amendments. If a member offers an amendment it must meet the approval of half of the full membership. If less than half approve the amendment, then it is rejected.
Also during second reading is when a bill is _________. An engrossed bill is the version of a bill with all adopted amendments of the house of origin.
After the bill is engrossed it is advanced to third reading -- the ______ stage. When the clerk has read the bill, members may discuss the issue and present their opinions on the subject. When all discussions are finished, members vote on the bill either by _____ ____ (yeas and the nays) or by ____ ____ (electronic voting). If passed by one house, the same process is repeated in the other house.
Answers: 1. Law; 2. amend; 3. Senate; 4. House of Delegates; 5. bill form; 6. Clerk's; 7. Committee; 8.Speaker; 9. President; 10. amending; 11. first reading; 12. amendment; 13. engrossed; 14. voting. 15. voice vote; 16. machine vote