How a bill becomes a law

A delegate or senator has an idea for a bill, usually from a constituent. He or she presents the idea to the Division of Legislative Services and requests that it be drafted into a bill. The bill is signed by the patron, introduced, and printed. The bill is referred to an appropriate committee. The members of the committee consider the bill and decide what action to take. This is when the public may speak. First …

…his approval. After being signed by the Governor, the bill is sent to the Clerk of the House (Keeper of the Rolls of the Commonwealth) and is assigned a Chapter number. All Chapters of a session are compiled and bound as the Acts of Assembly. Bills that become law at a regular session (or the reconvened session that follows) are effective the first day of July following adjournment of the regular session, unless otherwise specified.