How to: Submitting a Bill
At The Resurgam Group, we believe in the power of informed advocacy and effective legislation. Crafting and submitting a bill is a critical step in creating meaningful change. Whether you're an individual, an advocacy group, or a coalition, understanding the legislative process is crucial to getting your bill considered. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this journey.
Identify the Issue
Before drafting a bill, clearly identify the problem you aim to address. Conduct thorough research to understand the scope of the issue, existing laws, and potential solutions. Engage with stakeholders, including community members, experts, and organizations, to gather insights and build a compelling case.
Drafting the Bill
Drafting a bill requires precision and clarity. The Office of the Revisor of Statutes will be the final word on how a bill must be drafted, but it’s always a good plan to prepare clear language and consult with policy advisors, legal experts, and the sponsoring legislators. Each bill should include a title and summary in addition to the body text.
Find a Sponsor
A bill must be sponsored by a legislator to be introduced in the legislature. There are a number of ways to identify strong possible sponsors: someone passionate about your cause, represents your district or a district that would be impacted by the legislation, or someone who is strategically important in the process. The more boxes that can be checked to ensure they’ll be a forceful advocate, the better.
When approaching possible sponsors, it’s important to have a clear sense of what you need so that you can work together most effectively to move the legislation forward. You can add co-sponsors to further strengthen the bill!
Building Support
Building a coalition of supporters is crucial for your bill’s success. Engage with:
Advocacy Groups: Partner with organizations that share your goals to amplify your message.
Public: Use media, social networks, and public events to raise awareness and garner public support.
Legislators: Even if a legislator isn’t a cosponsor, it’s important to ensure key players know about your bill even before it’s introduced in the House or Senate chambers.
Conclusion
It’s important to be prepared to support the sponsoring legislator throughout the process; requiring a multifaceted process that requires dedication, strategic planning, and collaboration. We support advocates at every step, providing the resources and expertise needed to turn ideas into actionable legislation. By following these steps and leveraging our support, you can navigate the legislative process and contribute to meaningful policy change.
