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Sample Bill

Sample Bill

Definition:

A bill creates laws, or adds to, repeals or amends current law.

When Used:

The most widespread type of legislation, a bill is used to modify or create laws, except in the case of constitutional, federal, county or municipal jurisdiction.

Technical Aspects:

A bill has three parts:  (1) the title, (2) the enacting clause, and (3) the body.

(1)  The title is worded as follows:

An act to (add, amend, repeal) Section(s) _____ to (of) the ______ Code, relating to (very general) (example; food, voting, death penalty, rape, etc.)

The title must include the code(s) and the section(s) of the code(s) being amended, added or deleted.  If a new law is being proposed, the title should state concisely what the bill relates to and assign it to a Code Section. (For example: “An act to add Section 35602.5 to the Food and Agricultural Code, relating to albino peanuts.”) 

            (2)  The enacting clause is worded as follows: 

            The people of the State of California do enact, as follows:

(3)  The first line of the body of the bill should be numbered as SECTION 1, followed by an explanation of the action taking place.

            Examples:

            SECTION 1. Section 2170 of the Penal Code is repealed.

            SECTION 1. Section 2170 of the Penal Code is amended, to read:

            SECTION l. Section 2170a of the Penal Code is added, to read: (Sec. 2.)

Use separate sections for each section of an old law being changed. Any sections being repealed should be struck through.  However, if the section is over one page in length, merely type "SECTION 1. Section _____ of the _____ code is repealed in it’s entirely," and bring copies of the section with you to the Model Legislature/Court for all the legislators.

Underline any words you wish to add to an existing law.  If you add a whole new section, however, you don't need to underline it.  Remember to verify that the section number you use is not already part of the law.  The number you use is arbitrary, but usually follows in some sequence the previous section numbers.  All bills should express the author's intent in concise, everyday language.

Voting Procedure:

Simple majority in committee and both houses.  Must be signed or vetoed by Governor.  Veto may be overridden by two-thirds majority in both houses.

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