Legislation is a central component of any legal system. It establishes the limits of acceptable behavior, deters criminal activity, and provides a framework for the fair resolution of disputes. It also protects individuals’ liberties and rights. Without legislation, societies would lack the tools necessary to maintain order and promote social justice.
When a legislator sponsors a bill, it is referred to committees that specialize in the subject of the bill. This allows the committee to focus on one bill at a time and to give the bill the attention it needs. Legislation often goes through multiple rounds of committee consideration before a final version is sent to the full legislature for a vote.
At each stage of the process, committee Members may propose changes to the bill. These are discussed in a meeting called a “mark-up” session. Members can accept or reject any amendments that are offered. After the mark-up session, the committee or subcommittee votes on whether to report the bill as is or with changes. If the bill is reported, it moves to another body (the other branch of Congress) for a similar process. If the bill passes both chambers, it is sent to the President for his or her consideration.
Entitlement legislation (those that guarantee a certain level of benefits to people who meet eligibility requirements) typically require annual approval from Congress. It is important that those involved in the process have a clear understanding of what the purpose of the legislation will be once it is enacted. This will guide how regulators organize themselves and exercise their powers under the law and help inform judges when interpreting its provisions.