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Legislative Process
Knowing Where a Bill Is in the Process
On any issue with which you are involved it is important to know where a bill is in the legislative process. Information about the status of pending bills can be obtained from the Maryland General Assembly's Department of Legislative Services (see Contacting the MD General Assembly’s Department of Legislative Services for phone numbers and website) and from a wide variety of health and youth-serving organizations, many of which publish newsletters or "alerts" (see How to Get and Stay Connected).
Tracking” bills is quite easy for individuals who have access to the Internet (see Using the Internet to Track Legislation). The status of pending bills is updated each evening during the 90-day session. Individuals who require even more timely information may subscribe for a fee to an on-line tracking service by contacting the Office of Information Systems of the Maryland General Assembly. The e-mail address for this office is subscribe@ mlis.state.md.us
Before a bill is introduced
- Develop a concept for a bill. Conduct research; collect data and other information that supports the bill.
- Identify a legislator to introduce and sponsor the bill.
- Work with the lead sponsor to identify legislators who will co-sponsor the bill.
- Identify organizations or coalitions that are willing to endorse the bill and work to ensure its passage.
- Identify organizations or “stakeholders” that might oppose the bill and develop arguments and strategies to respond to their concerns.
When the bill is in committee
- Call, write or send an e-mail message to committee members to request that they take action on the bill (support, oppose, amend).
- Develop a “fact sheet” or “talking points” that provide easy-to-read bullets summarizing the major features of the bill, key data, and arguments in favor (or opposition) to the bill. Disseminate this to the bill's sponsor, cosponsors, and committee members before the hearing.
- Provide questions to 'friendly' members of the committee to highlight limitations or inconsistencies in the opposition's position.
- Submit testimony for the hearing - in person and/or in writing.
- Help others to testify, especially clients or young people who would be most affected by the bill. Note: While this strategy is often effective, it is important to help these individuals prepare for the hearing and to focus on the most important issues.
When the bill is up for floor debate
- Call, write, or send an e-mail message to your own Delegate and Senator to request that they take appropriate action on the bill (support, oppose, amend).
- Disseminate talking points or a fact sheet about the bill (as described above) to legislators.
- Be prepared to respond to floor amendments by identifying legislators who will take the lead in sponsoring, supporting, or opposing amendments.
When the bill is in conference committee
- Provide “friendly” committee members with talking points to support your position and refute arguments presented by the opposition.
When the bill is presented to the Governor
- Call, write, or send an e-mail message to the Governor to request that he or she supports or vetoes the bill
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