Legislative Process

Legislative Process (LegiSource Articles)

Bill Versions Mark the Path from Introduction to Final Passage, by Patti Dahlberg and Julie Pelegrin

In following legislation from introduction to the Governor’s desk, it’s important to know which version you’re working with. Once introduced, a bill may be amended at several stages of the process, and if you aren’t working with the most current version, you will be lost. Also, by paying attention to the stamps that accumulate on a bill as it moves through the legislative process, you will know when and where the bill’s been amended and how far it still has to go before becoming law.

You’ve Got Mail!, by Jery Payne

and  When Two Bills Collide: What to do when your bill has a conflict, by Nate Carr

Both articles explain what conflict letters are and what it means if you receive one. Conflict letters are notifications to legislators with overlapping bills that there are statutory provisions in those bills cannot be harmonized or merged together and that additional steps must be taken.

How many days does it take to pass a bill?

The Colorado Constitution requires that in order for a bill to pass a majority of all members of each house must vote for on the bill on two separate days making three the minimum number of days for a bill to pass.

What’s So Important About a 10-day bill? How About a 30-day Bill?, by Kathy Zambrano

As the General Assembly moves toward the end of the regular legislative session, you may hear the terms “10-day bill” and “30-day bill” bouncing around the capitol hallways. What’s the meaning of these terms? And why does the General Assembly care?

Additional LegiSource articles regarding  the legislative process.