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Legislative History includes any of various materials generated in the course of creating
legislation, such as committee reports, analysis by legislative counsel, committee hearings, floor
debates, and histories of actions taken.
Minutes of Committee Meetings a record of what has happened at a meeting held by the
committee. They should set out, clearly and concisely, decisions taken and any follow up actions
agreed and who will be responsible for those actions.
Committee Reports are one set of documents among the variety of document types produced
by the committee that address legislative and other policy issues, investigations, and internal
committee matters. Committee reports usually are one of these types: (1) reports that accompany
a legislative measure when it is reported for chamber action; (2) reports resulting from oversight
or investigative activities; (3) reports of conference committees; and (4) committee activity
reports, published at the conclusion of a Congress.
Bicameral Committee Reports report by the House of Representatives and Senate committees
that contain the reconciled version of the bill duly approved by both houses.
Legislative Reports any written expression of the proposed bill or draft legislation, It serves to
initiate discussions about legislation and certain proposed administrative actions and also aid the
administration in developing a unified position.
Legislative Journals an account of the proceedings of a legislative body. A daily record of the
legislative proceedings kept by the clerk.
Privilege Speeches - a legal immunity that some legislators will enjoy in the course of their
duties. This is also known as parliamentary privilege and given the legislators protection for their
action.
What is a Bill?
A draft of a law submitted to the consideration of a legislative body for its adoption.
1. First Reading
bill signed by author
filed with the secretary of either the Lower or Upper House
bill gets a number
gets referred to the appropriate committee
1a. Committee
evaluated to determine the need for public hearings
schedules discussions
amendments may be added
if approved, moves on the next step; if not, it dies a natural death
2. Second Reading
forwarded to the Committee on Rules and scheduled for a second reading
read in its entirety along with amendments by the Committee in A.1
debates will then take place
approval is then sought, before schedule for a third reading
if approved, the bill is printed in its final form, copies are distributed to the members
3. Third Reading
only the title of the bill is read
voting happens via roll call or nominal voting
each is given 3 minutes for a speech explaining his vote
no amendments allowed on this stage
a majority of the members present is needed to approve the bill