Senate Bills FAQ

What is a bill and when do I use it?

A bill is used to formally propose legislation, suggest governmental action, or request SA funds. Bills help expedite the bureaucratic process and provide a record of when something was proposed. Bills should be used to propose constitutional amendments or to request changes to approved budgets.

Questions regarding bill or general senate procedure should be directed toward the SA Vice President. Legal questions can be resolved by the SA supreme court.

Where do I start?

Fill out a bill form! Bill forms are located outside the SA offices in the SAC second floor and online on the SA forms page. You can also email the SA Secretary () and request for a bill form to be delivered to your CS box.

How do I complete a bill form?

Fill in the required spaces (outlined below). Attach a type written explanation of your needs and/or concerns. Be sure that this additional information supports or emphasizes the "Purpose or Goal" that you stated on the form and explain clearly and concisely what you would like the senate to do about your concern.

Field Description Example
Short Title A brief name that describes the bill Corporate Endorsements for All
Purpose or Goal A one- or two- sentence description of the bill To request brand-named support for SANMIMT. Students could forfeit their values and have corporate logos tatooed on their persons in exchange for monetary support from big corporations.
Agency, Agent, or Individual. The person or organization making the proposal Big Mac, president of Capitalists for Life club
Requested Date of Resolution The date you or your organization must have a decision by. Febuary 30, 20xx
Proposing Individuals' Information This information is used to contact persons who are able to answer questions about this bill. One or more of these persons may be asked to attend committee and/or senate meetings to defend or elaborate on this bill. Big Mac
555-1234
bigmac@nmt.edu
CS box AA

Whom do I give this stuff to?

The Vice President recieves all incoming senate Bills. You can get the bill to the Vice President in the following ways:

What happens to the bill after it is turned in?

The bill will be subjected to the bureaucratic process. A bill may spend two or more weeks in processesing. First, the bill will be reviewed by the Vice President, who will ensure it is complete. Next, it will be reviewed by the Finance Committee (if you are requesting SA funds) or the Legislative Standards Committee. The committee will review and discuss your bill, including your proposed action. At the next senate meeting, the committee will summarize the purpose of your bill and deliver its recommendations to the senate (suggest to pass it, support it, accept, reject, modify, etc.).

If the senate chooses to pass the bill, it is presented to the President for action. The President has five days to sign a bill into law, otherwise the bill is considered vetoed. The President will provide a written explanation if the bill is vetoed.

Do I need to be there when they discuss my bill?

No rule states that you must be present at the committee meeting or the senate meeting, but it is in your best interest that you be present -- at the very least when your bill is discussed in committee. In most cases, it is also a good idea for you to attend the senate meeting when bill is presented, in order to defend the bill and answer questions. Contact the VP or Secretary to determine when your bill will be reviewed in committee and voted on by the senate.

When will the senate vote on my bill?

We will let you know as soon as that information is available. Be sure to include reliable contact information when you complete the bill form.

Who can I contact if I have questions?