Legislation 101: How to track bills

Last Tuesday’s column outlined the Idaho legislative process. Today, a look at bill types and how to track them.

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While hundreds of bills are introduced each session, not all survive. Some die unattended or incomplete, 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; yet anyone can track bills of interest. At Legislature.Idaho.gov, citizens can find and follow bills by topic or, once known, by number. During session (now through late March or early April) the site is updated daily by about 4 p.m.

Information starts with the bill number: “HO” plus three numbers for House-originated bills (HO123), and “S” plus four for Senate (S1211).

Next, identify the type of legislation:

1. Bill: A proposed new law, a change (amendment) or repeal of existing law, or spending (appropriation) of public money. Bills must pass by a simple majority in both chambers and be signed by the governor to become law.

2. Concurrent Resolution: (such as “HCR014”) These aren’t actually law so much as housekeeping. Used to order printing of certain bills, express appreciation, or direct information gathering/studies between sessions. Not signed by the governor.

3. Joint Memorial (SJM103): A statement addressed to the president, Congress, or other 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): Thanks or praise for a special achievement, anniversary, or birthday.

How to track them:

At Legislature.Idaho.gov, click “current and prior sessions,” then “bill center.” Find the legislation by number if you know it, otherwise click “legislation by subject” and scroll down to see what’s relevant to you. Within categories, 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 & 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 one) 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.

You can read the legislation by clicking on “bill text.” To find the sponsoring legislator and a brief explanation of why it was introduced, click “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). You can also identify and email your representatives by clicking “legislators” at the top.

Most bills which survive the process are signed by the governor within the five-day deadline, 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.

Get emails: Legislature.Idaho.gov offers “bill tracker,” which you can use to get email updates on specific bills.

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