A bill that has been passed by both chambers of the legislature and signed by the governor, becoming law. Also called a "statute" once officially published.
To officially end a legislative session or meeting. "Sine die" adjournment marks the end of a legislative session.
A proposed change to a bill's text. Amendments can be offered in committee or on the floor, and must be approved by vote to be incorporated.
Legislative authorization to spend public funds for a specific purpose. Appropriations bills allocate state budget funds.
An elected official who represents an entire state or jurisdiction rather than a specific geographic district.
A proposed law introduced in the legislature for consideration. Bills are designated by chamber (HB for House Bill, SB for Senate Bill) and number.
A summary document prepared by legislative staff explaining a bill's provisions, fiscal impact, and how it changes existing law.
Support from members of both political parties. A bipartisan bill has sponsors or significant support from both Republicans and Democrats.
The main appropriations bill that funds state government operations for the fiscal year. Often called the "General Appropriations Act."
The schedule of bills ready for floor consideration. Bills are placed on the calendar after committee approval.
A meeting of legislators from the same party to discuss strategy, positions, and priorities. Also refers to the group itself (e.g., "Democratic Caucus").
One of the two houses of a bicameral legislature. In Florida, the House of Representatives and the Senate are the two chambers.
A procedural motion to end debate and bring a measure to an immediate vote. Used to overcome filibuster attempts.
A group of legislators assigned to review bills in a specific subject area. Bills must pass committee before reaching the full chamber.
The committees to which a bill is assigned for review, listed in the order they will consider it.
A new version of a bill created by a committee that replaces the original. Often incorporates multiple amendments or significant rewrites.
Identical or similar bills introduced in both chambers simultaneously. Having companions in both chambers can expedite passage.
When one chamber agrees to amendments made by the other chamber, avoiding the need for a conference committee.
A temporary committee of House and Senate members formed to resolve differences between versions of a bill passed by each chamber.
A person who resides in the district represented by an elected official. Legislators represent the interests of their constituents.
A legislator who formally adds their name in support of a bill they did not originally introduce. Shows breadth of support.
A bill that has failed to advance before a deadline or has been defeated in vote. Dead bills can sometimes be revived through amendments to other bills.
Formal discussion of a bill's merits on the chamber floor before voting. Rules govern how long and who may speak.
The geographic area from which a legislator is elected. Districts are redrawn every ten years following the census.
A method of voting where members stand to be counted rather than voting by voice or electronic means.
The date when a new law takes effect. In Florida, laws typically take effect July 1 unless the bill specifies otherwise.
A bill that incorporates all amendments adopted in its chamber of origin, prepared for transmission to the other chamber.
The final, official copy of a bill as passed by both chambers, prepared for the governor's signature.
"By virtue of office." A committee membership that comes automatically with another position (e.g., party leaders may serve ex officio on certain committees).
A committee meeting held privately, typically to discuss confidential matters like appointments or investigations.
A tactic used to delay or prevent a vote by extending debate indefinitely. More common in the U.S. Senate than in state legislatures.
The initial presentation of a bill to the full chamber. Typically involves reading the bill's title and number; no debate occurs.
The estimated cost or revenue effect of a bill on state or local government budgets. Required analysis for most bills.
The main meeting area of a legislative chamber where all members convene and vote. "On the floor" means a bill is being debated by the full chamber.
An amendment proposed during floor debate, rather than during committee consideration.
Relevant to the subject matter of a bill. Most legislatures require amendments to be germane to the bill being amended.
Official communication from the governor to the legislature, such as a veto message explaining reasons for rejecting a bill.
Advocacy efforts organized at the local level by ordinary citizens, as opposed to professional lobbyists or organized interest groups.
A committee meeting where a bill is presented, testimony is taken, and the bill may be voted upon. Public hearings allow citizens to testify.
A bill originating in the House of Representatives, designated with "HB" followed by a number (e.g., HB 1234).
The period between legislative sessions when the legislature is not in session. Committees may meet during the interim to study issues.
The formal filing of a bill with the chamber's clerk, making it an official legislative proposal with a bill number.
A committee composed of members from both the House and Senate. Often used for administrative or investigative purposes.
A legislative measure passed by both chambers, often used for constitutional amendments or expressing legislative intent. May require voter approval.
The official record of legislative proceedings, including votes, motions, and actions taken during sessions.
A motion to temporarily set aside a bill, often used to delay consideration. The bill can later be "taken from the table."
An official day of legislative session, which may span multiple calendar days if the chamber does not adjourn.
The governor's power to reject specific spending items in an appropriations bill while approving the rest. Florida's governor has this authority.
To advocate for or against legislation to elected officials. Also refers to the area outside the chamber where such activities traditionally occurred.
A person who advocates to legislators on behalf of an organization, company, or cause. Registered lobbyists must follow disclosure and reporting requirements.
A bill that applies only to a specific county, city, or district rather than the entire state. Often addresses local government matters.
The legislator elected by the majority party to manage floor proceedings and advance the party's legislative agenda.
The committee process of reviewing and amending a bill line by line before voting on the final version.
A resolution addressed to another government body (typically Congress) requesting action. Has no force of law.
The legislator elected by the minority party to represent their interests and coordinate opposition strategy.
A formal proposal for action by a legislative body, such as "motion to adjourn" or "motion to table."
A large bill covering multiple subjects, often combining several related bills into one package.
The established sequence of activities during a legislative session, typically governed by chamber rules.
Legislative action to pass a bill despite the governor's veto. Typically requires a two-thirds supermajority in both chambers.
Approval of a bill by vote. A bill must pass both chambers in identical form before going to the governor.
When a governor neither signs nor vetoes a bill, allowing it to die without action. Not available in all states.
An objection raised that the rules of procedure are being violated. The presiding officer rules on the objection.
Submitting a bill before the legislative session officially begins. Allows for early analysis and assignment to committees.
The presiding officer of the state Senate, elected by Senate members. Controls floor proceedings and committee assignments.
The primary sponsor of a bill, listed first and typically most responsible for advancing it through the process.
A brief session held primarily to satisfy constitutional requirements, typically with no legislative business conducted.
A committee meeting open to public testimony. Citizens, stakeholders, and experts may speak for or against a bill.
The minimum number of members required to be present for official business to be conducted. Typically a majority of the body's membership.
A roll call to determine whether a quorum is present. May be used tactically to delay proceedings.
The formal presentation of a bill. Most legislatures require three readings before final passage, though actual reading may be waived.
A temporary break during a session, after which proceedings resume without formally adjourning.
To send a bill back to committee after it has reached the floor. Often used to kill a bill or make further amendments.
To send a bill to a committee for consideration. The presiding officer or rules committee typically makes referral decisions.
The constitutionally mandated annual meeting of the legislature. In Florida, the regular session is 60 days.
A legislative measure expressing opinion, commending achievements, or addressing administrative matters. Unlike bills, resolutions don't become law.
A recorded vote where each member's position (yea, nay, or present) is documented in the official record.
A powerful committee that controls which bills reach the floor, in what order, and under what procedural rules.
The stage where amendments are typically considered. Following committee approval, bills are read a second time on the floor.
A bill originating in the Senate, designated with "SB" followed by a number (e.g., SB 5678).
The period when the legislature is officially convened and may conduct business. Can be regular or special.
Latin for "without day." The final adjournment of a legislative session, with no future date set to reconvene.
The presiding officer of the House of Representatives, elected by House members. Controls floor proceedings and committee assignments.
A designation giving a bill priority consideration at a specific time, often used for important legislation.
A legislative session called outside the regular session to address specific issues. Can be called by the governor or legislature.
The legislator who introduces a bill and is primarily responsible for its passage. Bills may have multiple sponsors.
A document prepared by committee staff summarizing a bill's provisions, effects, and background information.
An amendment that removes all text from a bill and replaces it with entirely new language. Essentially creates a new bill.
A smaller group within a committee that focuses on specific issues or bills before reporting to the full committee.
A clause that causes a law or program to expire on a specific date unless the legislature reauthorizes it.
A voting threshold greater than a simple majority, such as two-thirds or three-fifths. Required for veto overrides and constitutional amendments.
To postpone consideration of a bill, often indefinitely. "Tabling" a bill usually kills it for the session.
To delay consideration of a bill until a later time, allowing it to remain on the calendar.
Oral or written statements provided to legislators or committees expressing support or opposition to legislation.
The final reading of a bill before the vote on passage. Debate and final amendments may occur at third reading.
The formal name and brief description of a bill's subject matter. Constitutional requirements often mandate that a bill's title accurately reflect its contents.
Agreement by all members present to proceed with an action without a formal vote. Any member can object to block unanimous consent.
A committee recommendation that a bill not pass. Bills receiving unfavorable reports typically do not advance.
The governor's rejection of a bill passed by the legislature. Vetoes can be overridden by a supermajority vote in both chambers.
A voting method where members call out "aye" or "nay" together, with the presiding officer judging which side prevails. Individual votes are not recorded.
The formal decision-making process where legislators express their position on a bill or motion.
A party leader responsible for counting votes, ensuring member attendance, and building support for the party's positions.
To remove a bill, amendment, or motion from consideration. Sponsors may withdraw their bills at various stages.
An informal committee meeting to discuss issues or draft legislation without taking formal action.
To give up the floor or remaining speaking time to another member during debate.
LobbyScape makes it easy to monitor bills, track actions, and stay ahead of legislative changes.