How a Bill Becomes a Law in Arkansas
The journey from an idea to an official Arkansas law is a structured process with many steps, ensuring each proposal is carefully considered and debated.
Step 1: A Bill is Drafted
It all starts with an idea. A concerned citizen, a community group, or a state department can propose a law, but only a legislator—a State Senator or Representative—can sponsor and formally introduce a bill. The legislator works with legal staff to draft the bill in the proper legal format.
Step 2: Introduction and First Reading
The sponsoring legislator introduces the bill in their respective chamber (the House or the Senate). The bill is given a number (e.g., HB1001 or SB1) and is read aloud for the first time.
Step 3: Committee Action
This is the most critical stage. The bill is assigned to a committee that specializes in its subject matter. In committee, the bill is reviewed, debated in public hearings, can be amended, and is ultimately voted on. The committee can pass it, defeat it, or choose not to act on it.
Step 4: Floor Action
If passed by the committee, the bill is sent to the floor of its original chamber for debate and a final vote by all members. For a bill to pass this stage, it must receive a majority vote.
Step 5: Sent to the Other Chamber
Once a bill passes in one chamber, it is sent to the other chamber, where it goes through the exact same process: committee assignment, hearings, amendments, and a final floor vote.
Step 6: Resolving Differences
If the second chamber amends the bill, it must be sent back to the original chamber to vote on the changes. If they cannot agree, a "Conference Committee" with members from both houses is formed to work out a compromise that must then be passed by both chambers.
Step 7: The Governor's Desk
After a bill passes both chambers in identical form, it is sent to the Governor, who can sign it into law, veto it, or do nothing (in which case it becomes law automatically after five days).
Step 8: Veto Override
If the Governor vetoes a bill, the legislature can vote to override the veto. This requires a simple majority vote in both the House and the Senate. If the override passes, the bill becomes law despite the Governor's objection.