"In the Know" - Path of a Bill

The ND legislative process can seem like this giant machine – massive and totally overwhelming.
 
We already talked about the start of session bills but what comes next? Let’s do a general overview.
 
Bills start in their chamber of origin. If the main sponsor is a Senator, the bill will start on the Senate side. Representatives’ bills start on the House. They are assigned a committee to begin their work. Committee assignments come from Legislative Leadership. Often these assignments are due to the content or intent. Considerations can also be made depending on if there is a fiscal note or dollar ramification.
 
Often, hearings are the first “light of day” for each bill. The committee clerk will read the bill. The sponsoring legislator will introduce the bill, provide an overview including some background or intent. They may introduce subject matter experts or answer questions from the committee. The hearing will continue with supporting testimony first, followed by opposition, closing with neutral testimony – if the committee chair allows. Neutral testimony can often come from state agencies who provide institutional info or supplementary detail on the impacts of the bill. Neutral is not limited to state government. Committee members have the opportunity to ask questions of each testifier for clarity or content. When all sides have been presented, the committee chair will close the hearing.
 
After a hearing for public input is closed, the committee will work on the bill. This happens through discussion and potentially changing or amending. Committee members advance a bill with a recommendation to the floor. This is achieved through a motion made from a member, followed by a second. This recommendation can be a do-pass, a do-not-pass, or no recommendation if an obvious side cannot be determined. A carrier is named that supported the side of the motion. This carrier is responsible for presenting to their peers for chamber floor vote.
 
If the bill passes the floor, it crosses chambers and will start up again on the other side. If the bill doesn’t receive a majority vote, it is noted failed. Now exemptions exist but for the most part, this is the end of the line.