A Beginner’s Guide to Massachusetts Lawmaking

When does the law-making session start in Massachusetts?

• First Monday in January of even-numbered years

• First Wednesday in January of odd-numbered years

• First Friday in January of odd-numbered years

• First Tuesday in January of even-numbered years

What is the deadline for legislators to file bills in Massachusetts?

• 5:00 PM on the first Friday in January

• 5:00 PM on the third Friday in January

• 5:00 PM on the last Friday in January

• 5:00 PM on the second Friday in January

Who can file bills at any time with permission in Massachusetts?

• The governor

• The Senate Clerk

• The House Clerk

• The Joint Committee

What happens to a bill filed by a representative in Massachusetts?

• It goes to the governor

• It goes to the Senate Clerk

• It goes to the House Clerk

• It goes to the Joint Committee

What is the purpose of the Joint Standing Committees in Massachusetts?

• To sign bills into law

• To hold hearings and write reports about bills

• To veto bills

• To assign numbers to bills

What is the role of citizens during the committee review process?

• To vote on the bill

• To speak up for or against the bill

• To assign a number to the bill

• To file the bill

How many times must a bill be read in the House or Senate?

• Once

• Twice

• Three times

• Four times

What does the first reading of a bill usually include?

• The full text of the bill

• The title of the bill

• The amendments to the bill

• The final vote on the bill

What happens after a bill passes the first committee?

• It is signed into law

• It goes to the floor for its First Reading

• It is vetoed

• It is sent to the governor

What is the role of the Ways and Means Committee?

• To sign bills into law

• To review bills for further consideration

• To veto bills

• To assign numbers to bills