How a Bill Becomes a Law in Albany--at Least in Theory

2. After deciding to sponsor a bill, the Assembly Member has bill drafting specialists write it up.  Then it is filed and is given an official number.  Many bills are co-sponsored by several Assembly Members.

3. The Speaker of the Assembly assigns the bill to the appropriate committee.  The committee members study the bill and vote on whether to defeat it, hold it for further study, or send it on to the full Assembly for a vote.  Before going to the Assembly floor, bills may be examined by other committees.

4. On the floor, the bill's sponsor explains it and defends it if it's debated.  If it passes, it goes to the Senate where it goes through a similar process.

5. If both houses pass the bill, it goes to the Governor who can either sign it, or veto it.  If the Governor vetoes it, the legislature can override the veto by a two-thirds vote.