Legislation 101: the bill types

— The first of this series on legislation outlined the Idaho legislative process. Today, a look at bill types and how to track them. —

Each state legislative session sees the birth of hundreds of bills. Some die from inattention, others are voted down, and the rest become law. While "hot topics" get coverage, reporting on all legislation is both impractical and uninteresting to most readers. At Legislature.Idaho.gov, any Internet user can find and track bills by topic or bill number; during session (now through late March or early April) the site is updated daily by about 4 p.m.

Bills are identifiable by alphanumeric code, generally with three numbers for House-originated bills (HO123), and four for Senate (S1211). There are six types of legislation:

1. Bill: Proposal for new law, amendment, or repeal of existing law; or appropriation of public money. Must be passed by a simple majority in both chambers and signed by the governor to become law.

2. Concurrent Resolution (HCR014): Without force of law, these are for housekeeping. Examples include printing certain bills, expressing appreciation, or directing studies between sessions. Not signed by the governor.

3. Joint Memorial (SJM103): A statement addressed to the president, Congress, or a federal official, requesting an action. Passed by both chambers, but not signed by the governor.

4. Joint Resolution (HJR001): Requires two-thirds majority approval of both chambers and not signed by the governor. Used only to propose amendments to the Idaho Constitution or ratify amendments to the U.S. Constitution.

5. Simple Resolution (SR104): Like a joint resolution, but passed by only one chamber. Primarily used to express appreciation to companies, groups, or individuals, or make an important statement.

6. Proclamation (HP001): Generally thanks or praise for a special achievement, anniversary, or birthday. Both chambers vote on them.

When tracking bills at Legislature.idaho.gov (find by number or topic after clicking "bill center") you'll see symbols and abbreviations following the bill number:

H Transp, H Rev/Tax, H St Aff - These are examples of committees - Transportation, Revenue and Taxation, and State Affairs - in other words, it means the bill is being considered by a House committee. "S Loc Gov" would indicate senate committee consideration (see column of Jan. 9 for committee roles and process).

If a bill number identifies one chamber (HO211, i.e., House) and the notation shows a committee from the other chamber (S Educ, i.e., Senate), that means it passed the first chamber's floor vote.

* - An asterisk means the status change occurred the previous day, quite handy when checking regularly.

"a" - A small "a" (S1304a) means the bill has been amended during that session.

The bill text (click on the number to read) first lists a summary what's happened to it, including a record of floor votes by name. For help understanding these, see the "glossary of terms" on the bill index pages. For bills amending current law, you will see old provisions lined through and proposed new language in bold. Below the full text is the sponsoring legislator and a statement of purpose. Reading committee minutes provides more background (if you go to Boise to testify, it's advisable to read "Committee Testimony" under the Publications tab to learn what's expected).

Most bills which survive the process are signed by the governor within the allotted five-day timeline, having already been discussed and considered before arriving on his desk. He also has the political option to do nothing, allowing the bill to become law without his signature. When he does veto (say no to the bill), the bill goes back to the Legislature and unless it receives an uncommon and politically charged two-thirds majority vote from each chamber to override (if they even vote post-veto), the bill dies.

Legislature.Idaho.gov now offers "bill tracker," which you can use to track specific bills and receive email updates.

Sholeh Patrick, J. D. is a former state lobbyist and a columnist for the Hagadone News Network. Email sholeh@cdapress.com.