The Legislative Process: From Bill to Law

The Georgia General Assembly convenes annually to legislate state laws. It consists of the Senate and House of Representatives. Bills, either general or local, are introduced by legislators and must pass through several stages, including committee reviews and debates, before becoming law. The governor can sign, veto, or take no action on bills. A veto can be overridden by a two-thirds majority in both houses.

When does the Georgia General Assembly convene each year?

• First Monday of January

• Second Monday of every year

• First Friday of February

• Last Monday of December

What are the two types of bills in the Georgia General Assembly?

• Statewide and County

• General and Special

• General and Local

• Local and National

Who can introduce bills in the Georgia General Assembly?

• The Mayor of Atlanta

• Legislators in the House and Senate

• Only the Governor

• Any citizen of Georgia

What is the role of the Speaker of the House and the Lieutenant Governor in the legislative process?

• They assign bills to standing committees

• They draft bills

• They veto bills

• They sign bills into law

What is a standing committee?

• A group of citizens who vote on bills

• A small group of legislators that reviews and considers bills

• A temporary group of legislators

• A committee that only meets during the legislative session

What happens to a bill after it comes out of committee?

• It is sent to the Governor

• It is debated in the Senate

• It is put on a rules calendar

• It is signed into law

How do legislators vote on bills?

• Through an electronic voting system

• By raising their hands

• By writing their votes on paper

• By shouting 'yea' or 'nay'

What happens if the two houses cannot agree on the particulars of a bill?

• The bill is discarded

• The bill is sent to the Governor

• The bill moves to the Conference Committee

• The bill is automatically passed

What are the Governor's options when a bill is presented to them?

• Veto the bill, amend the bill, or send it back to the House

• Sign the bill into law, amend the bill, or do nothing

• Sign the bill into law, send it to the Senate, or do nothing

• Sign the bill into law, veto the bill, or do nothing

What happens if the Governor does nothing with a bill for 40 days?

• The bill is sent to the Conference Committee

• The bill is sent back to the House

• The bill becomes law

• The bill is vetoed