http://www.legislature.idaho.gov/idstat/TOC/IDStatutesTOC.htm How a Bill Becomes a Law
A bill is a proposal for the enactment, amendment or repeal of an existing law, or for the appropriation of public money. A bill may originate in either the House or Senate, with the exception of revenue measures, which originate in the House of Representatives. It must be passed by a majority vote of each house of the Legislature and be signed into law by the Governor. If the Governor vetoes a bill, it can become law if passed again by a two-thirds majority of those present in each house. A bill can also become law without the Governor's signature if it is not vetoed within five days (Sundays excepted) after presentation to the Governor. After the Legislature adjourns "sine die," the Governor has ten days to veto or sign a bill.
Before the final vote on a bill, it must be read on three separate days in each house. Two-thirds of the members of the house where the bill is pending may vote to dispense with this provision.
Reports of Standing Committees
Each committee to which a bill is referred conducts a study of all information that may help the committee determine the scope and effect of the proposed law. Studies may include research, hearings, expert testimony, and statements of interested parties. A bill may be reported out of committee with one of the following recommendations:
1. Do pass.
2. Without recommendation.
3. To be placed on General Orders for Amendment.
4. Do not pass. (Bills are seldom released from committee with this recommendation.)
5. Withdrawn with the privilege of introducing another bill.
6. Referred to another standing committee.
If a committee reports a bill out and does not recommend that the bill be amended or other action to keep it from going to the floor, the bill is then placed on second reading.
Many bills are not reported out by committees and "die in committee." Special rules of the House apply when the committee does not desire to report out a bill for consideration by the entire House.
Testifying Before Legislative Committees
Idaho has an open legislative process. All committee action on bills and amendments is conducted in open sessions and you may attend any or all of these meetings.
Once a bill has been introduced, it is assigned to a committee for study and consideration. The committee chairman determines when a bill is to be scheduled for a hearing. Public testimony is permitted at most meetings.
Legislative committee meetings are generally informal, but it is important that you follow the guidelines and protocol listed below:
· Be on time. Find out when and where the meeting is to be held -- check agendas.
· Be sure to sign your name when you arrive and indicate whether you intend to testify. Sign-up sheets are available at all meetings.
· Wait your turn. The Chairman will announce when a particular bill is coming before the committee for discussion. The bill's sponsor is usually the first to speak. After his testimony, the Chairman then may ask for testimony from proponents and opponents.
· All testimony and all committee discussion must be addressed through the Chairman.
· Begin your testimony by addressing the Chairman and committee members. State your name, address, and why you are there. For example: "Mr. (or Madam) Chairman, members of the Committee, my name is Pat Q. Public and I'm from Emmett. I am/am not in favor of this bill because...."
· Be courteous and brief in your language and address. Try not to repeat testimony offered by previous witnesses. Be prepared to answer questions. Respond to the questions as best you can. You need not be embarrassed if you do not have a specific answer.
· Do not be nervous as there is no right or wrong way to testify. Legislators are your friends and neighbors elected to represent you -- they want to hear what you have to say.
· Demonstrations, applause, or addressing committee members or other witnesses in the audience are prohibited.
· Do not be offended if legislators come and go during a meeting. They have other commitments, including the need at times to present information in other meetings occurring simultaneously.