How a Bill Becomes a Missouri Law

Before a bill becomes a Missouri law, it must be introduced to the Legislature by a member of the Missouri House of Representatives or a member of the Missouri State Senate.

After a member of the Missouri State Legislature introduces the bill, it is read on the Missouri House of Representatives floor by the House Clerk. After the bill is read by the House Clerk It is read a second time and then the bill is sent to a committee.

After a bill is sent to a committee by the Speaker of the Missouri House it his presented to the public for discussion and review. The committee will hold meetings that are open to the public so it can be discussed by persons that either support or oppose the bill.

After the bill is discussed, the committee then recommends whether or not the bill will advance to the House of Representatives. If a bill is recommended by a committee, it will then be debated on the floor of the Missouri House of Representatives. The bill may possibly amended to include any changes to the bill and then voted upon.

A yes vote on the bill by a majority of the House members that are present will cause the bill to become "Perfected".

After a bill becomes perfected, it will be read on the House floor for a third time. If at least 82 State Representatives approve the bill it will be forwarded to the Missouri State Senate.

If a bill reaches the Missouri Senate, it is read, sent to committee, and again offered for public review. If the State Senate changes the bill it will be sent back to the House of Representatives for further review. If no changes are made the bill will be signed by the Speaker of the House and President-Pro Tem of the Senate. The bill will then be forwarded to the Missouri Governor for review.

If the Missouri Governor signs the bill it will become a Missouri law. If the Governor vetoes the bill it will be sent back to the Missouri House of Representatives and State Senate. If two thirds of the Missouri House and Senate vote to reinstate the law, they will override the Governors veto. The Governor may also veto certain line items of an appropriations bill.

Most bills that are passed into law after receiving the Governors signature take effect on August 28. If a new law has an emergency clause, it will take effect a soon as it is signed by the Governor.