LEGISLATIVE PROCESS

This is a generalized overview of how our legislative process is supposed to work.  Note that each state and/or chamber has their own arcane rules and traditions that influence the process.   

What is difficult to document is how and when our representatives work together (or not) to make bills a reality, whether formally in committee or informally (sometimes with lobbyists or donors) away from the capital. 

One of IKC's main goals is to hold our elected representatives accountable to the people they serve, in terms of introducing, co-sponsoring, voting and funding progressive legislation.  

NOTE:  Missouri laws and regulations can also be created through the state's Initiative Petition Process. Of course, the right-wing leadership in Missouri - under the leadership of Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft - is also trying to undermine that process.  

And just because you were already thinking about this....