How a bill becomes a law

Recent legislation in different states

• Low-wage workers in California get a raise. Drivers who text in New Mexico face new fines. Gun owners in Georgia can now carry weapons into bars, among other places. And the children of immigrants in the U.S. illegally will face much lower tuition bills in Florida

Silly laws

• It is a crime to use a dead person’s handicapped parking sign or license plate• It is a felony to steal more than $1000 of grease• Those under 21 can drink legally, but they must be enrolled in a

culinary program to do so• In ads for products that contain salt or sugar, it’s mandatory to include

that you should exercise and eat at least 5 fruits and vegetables a day

School House Rock- How does a bill become a law?• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FFroMQlKiag

• http://kids.clerk.house.gov/grade-school/lesson.html?intID=17

Importance of CommitteesStanding deal with large issues that affect the nation (ex. Budget, education, etc.)• Select study a specific issue and report findings to the House of

Representatives (ex. could include public concerns like organized crime, small business owners, etc.)

• Joint made up of both Senate and House members, study or research group

• Conference committees (created when the House and Senate have passed different versions of the same bill.)

Act it out

Roles:PresidentCitizensHouse of RepresentativesSenatorsSpeaker of the HouseVice President

Citizens- we need some laws!

Driving ageDrinking ageUndocumented students in-state tuition