How a Bill Becomes Law in Virginia

A bill is drafted and introduced by a legislator in either the House or the Senate.

The bill is sent to a standing committee, where it is considered, debated, and can be amended.

If approved by committee, the bill moves to the floor of its originating house for debate and a recorded vote. A majority vote is needed to pass.

The bill is then sent to the other house, where it goes through a similar process of committee review, debate, and voting.

If the second house amends the bill, the two chambers must agree on the final version, often through a conference committee.

Once both houses have passed an identical bill, it is printed as an enrolled bill and signed by the presiding officer of each chamber.

The enrolled bill is sent to the Governor, who has three options:

• Sign: Sign the bill, and it becomes law.
• Veto: Reject the bill entirely. The General Assembly can override the veto with a two-thirds vote in both houses.
• Amend: Propose specific amendments and send the bill back to the General Assembly for reconsideration.

If the Governor takes no action within a specified time, the bill can become law without their signature.