BILL WRITING
Write a bill that becomes law.
Everything students and advisors need to go from an idea to a bill ready for committee.
Toolkit
Bill writing materials
Download, print and share with your delegation.
PDFBill Writing GuideStep by step from idea to finished bill.DOCBill TemplateThe required sections, ready to fill in.PDFBill Writing HandbookResearch, structure and examples.PDFBill Writing WorkshopA ready-to-teach lesson for advisors.PDFSample Bill BookReal student bills from a past conference.
LAWLook up a lawCheck current state law before you write.New YorkConnecticutRhode Island
Every bill has seven parts
Bill structure
- An Act To names what the bill does.
- Purpose states the problem it solves.
- Provisions and Definitions lay out exactly what changes.
- Justification makes the case with evidence.
- Fiscal Impact explains the cost.
- Environmental Impact notes any effect on the environment.
- Effective Date says when it starts.
Tips from the chamber
What makes a strong bill
- Bills are judged on quality, not agreement.
- Keep it focused. One clear change is stronger than five loose ones.
- First-time bills don't need to be perfect. Committees improve them.
- AI can help you research, but it can't write your bill. You need to understand and defend it.
- In New York, a bill topic cannot return for 3 years.
Need help getting started? Advisors can book an interest meeting and we'll walk your class through it.