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For more detail, visit the Library of Congress -Thomas. For state laws, visit the National Conference of State Legislatures.

1	A bill may be introduced in either the Senate or House of Representatives by a member.		6	After passing one house, the bill goes through the same procedure in the other house.
2	It is referred to a committee for a hearing. The committee studies the bill and may hold public hearings on it. It can then pass, reject or take no action on the bill.		7	If amendments are made, the other house must approve the changes.
3	The committee report on the passed bill is read in open session of the House or Senate, and the bill is then referred to the Rules Committee.		8	When the bill is accepted in both houses, it is signed by the respective leaders and sent to the governor.
4	The Rules Committee can either place the bill on the second reading of the calendar for debate before the entire body, or take no action.		9	The governor signs the bill into law or may veto all or part of it. If the governor fails to act on the bill, it may become law without a signature.
5	At the second reading, a bill is subject to debate and amendment before being placed on the third reading calendar for final passage.