We still have a ways to go before the bill is actually passed, we are only about 30% there so far. Here is the process, the bold line is where the Senate bill is today. But it also has to pass the House as well, more on that further down below.

How a Bill Becomes a Law

1. A bill may be introduced in either the Senate or House of Representatives by a member.

2. It is referred to a committee for a hearing. The committee studies the bill and may hold public hearings on it. It can then pass, reject or take no action on the bill.

3. The committee report on the passed bill is read in open session of the House or Senate, and the bill is then referred to the Rules Committee.

4. The Rules Committee can either place the bill on the second reading of the calendar for debate before the entire body, or take no action.

5. At the second reading, a bill is subject to debate and amendment before being placed on the third reading calendar for final passage.

6. After passing one house, the bill goes through the same procedure in the other house.

7. If amendments are made, the other house must approve the changes.

8. When the bill is accepted in both houses, it is signed by the respective leaders and sent to the governor.

9. The governor signs the bill into law or may veto all or part of it. If the governor fails to act on the bill, it may become law without a signature.

The website for this Bill has been updated today

SB 5615 - 2009-10


House Bill

Now for the not so good part. Rumor is the Chariman of the Public Safety & Emergency Preparedness Committee is against the passing of the bills and will try to block it. He has said if it clears channels with the Senate he will hear it but that doesn't mean he will pass it. Hopefully the Senate will be able to force him to hear it, and there will be enough PRO voters behind it that they can override him. I am not all that up to speed on the Legislative process so I am not sure what all of the options are.

If you take a look at this website you will see the House Bill has been hung up in channels since January 14th.

HB 1177 - 2009-10


We're still alive but somewhat in Limbo at the same time


:stoned: