How a bill becomes law
The West Virginia process in seven plain-language steps.
A bill is an idea for a new law or a change to an old one.
It does not become law just because someone introduces it. It must move through committees, pass both the House and Senate in the same form, and then go to the Governor. Tap any underlined government word for a plain-language definition.
1. An idea
A resident, group, agency, or legislator sees a problem and proposes a change.
2. A legislator introduces it
A delegate or senator agrees to sponsor the idea. The proposal receives a bill number.
3. A committee studies it
A small group of legislators may hear testimony, change the bill, recommend it, or take no action.
4. The first chamber votes
If the bill advances, the full House or Senate debates it and votes.
5. The other chamber acts
The bill goes through a similar committee and voting process in the other chamber.
6. Both chambers agree
The House and Senate must pass the same final wording. If their versions differ, they must settle the differences.
7. The Governor acts
The Governor may sign the bill, veto it, or allow it to become law without a signature.
The committee stage matters.
A bill may be assigned to one or more . A committee can discuss it, change it, recommend it, or leave it alone. If a bill never advances from committee, the full chamber usually never votes on it.
When a recorded happens, WVFC connects that vote to the bill and to the legislators whose votes are available.