Also known as: bills for an act · bill · proposed legislation
Written by attorneys · grounded in primary & secondary sources — see below
A proposed statute that begins the legislative process in a lawmaking body. It receives formal introduction and must complete prescribed steps including committee review, floor votes in each chamber, and presentment before it can become law.
Brooke Bryant drafted a revenue measure in the Senate and introduced it there first. The House leadership objected that the bill for an act violated the origination requirement. The Senate withdrew the measure and the House introduced an identical version.
Brian Bailey signed a spending bill for an act into law. The president later canceled three specific projects within the enacted statute. A court held the cancellations invalid because the president may approve or reject a bill for an act only in full.
Brenda Booth introduced a bill for an act in the state legislature that would have created an interstate agreement on water rights without congressional consent. Opponents argued the measure violated the compact clause. The legislature tabled the bill for an act.
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Benito Benitez sponsored a bill for an act banning contraceptive sales to married couples. Challengers contended the measure invaded a protected privacy zone. The legislature declined to advance the bill for an act after committee hearings.
Barbara Bennett offered a bill for an act authorizing suspension of habeas corpus during peacetime. Critics maintained the proposal exceeded constitutional limits. The chamber rejected the bill for an act on first reading.
Bella Barnes advanced a bill for an act imposing strict state handgun licensing. Opponents claimed the measure conflicted with incorporated Second Amendment protections. The legislature amended the bill for an act to conform with federal standards.
A bill for an act proposes a new statute that must follow the full legislative process including presentment to the executive. A resolution addresses internal housekeeping or expresses sentiment and typically requires only one-house action.
The Constitution requires that bills for raising revenue originate in the House. The Senate may propose or concur with amendments but cannot introduce the initial measure.
The president may approve or reject a bill for an act only in its entirety. Unilateral cancellation of specific provisions after enactment exceeds the veto power and is invalid.