How a Bill Becomes Law in Alabama

A plain-English explainer for constituents.

Idea: A constituent, group, agency, or legislator proposes an issue that needs a law.
Drafting: The bill is written into legal language by Legislative Services.
Introduction: Filed in the House (HB) or Senate (SB), assigned a number, and read for the first time.
Committee: Assigned to a subject committee. The committee may hold hearings, amend the bill, and vote on whether to report it out.
Floor Vote: If reported out favorably, the bill is placed on the calendar. After second and third readings, the full chamber debates and votes.
Other Chamber: If passed, the bill goes to the other chamber and repeats the committee and floor process.
Conference Committee: If the chambers pass different versions, a conference committee of members from both chambers negotiates a final version.
Governor: The Governor can sign the bill into law, let it become law without signing, or veto it. The Legislature can override a veto with a majority vote in both chambers.

Understanding Bill Numbers

HB = House Bill (originates in House of Representatives)
SB = Senate Bill (originates in Senate)
HJR/SJR = Joint Resolution (requires both chambers, often for constitutional amendments)
HR/SR = Simple Resolution (one chamber only, often ceremonial)

Introduced: Bill has been filed and assigned a number.
In Committee: Bill is being reviewed by a subject committee.
Reported Out / Favorable: Committee voted to advance the bill to the floor.
Engrossed: Bill passed one chamber with amendments incorporated.
Enrolled: Final version passed both chambers, being prepared for Governor.
Signed / Enacted: Governor signed the bill; it becomes law on the effective date.
Vetoed: Governor rejected the bill. Legislature may attempt override.
Carried Over: Bill did not receive a vote before the session ended but may be taken up again at the chair's discretion.
Dead: Bill was indefinitely postponed, rejected, or otherwise failed. No further action expected.

Know your legislators. Look up your representatives and see how they vote on the issues you care about.
Follow the bills. Browse current legislation on education, environment, and working families to stay informed.
Contact your legislator. Call or email them when a bill you care about is in committee or headed to a floor vote—that's when your voice matters most.
Attend public hearings. Committee hearings are open to the public. Check ALISON for schedules.
Share what you learn. An informed community holds its representatives accountable.